…Commissioner Disu Warns Against Vigilante Excesses, Urges Public Cooperation
Rivers State Police have intensified their crackdown on vigilante groups, following multiple complaints regarding the operations of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA). This action comes amid increasing reports of clashes between OSPAC and other security agencies.
The turning point occurred on May 9, 2024, when Alhaji Usman Seleh, Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported the abduction of a group member by OSPAC. Despite multiple police invitations, ONELGA OSPAC Commander Felix Nwaobakata refused to comply. Instead, OSPAC allegedly coordinated an attack on the Omoku Police Division, which was successfully repelled by the police.
In response, tactical units from the Rivers State Police Command raided the ONELGA OSPAC camp in Omoku, arresting key members, including Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others. Nwaobakata was subsequently arrested in his Omoku hideout on June 17, 2024. Police found two human skulls and other human bones in his possession.
Nwaobakata is also the prime suspect in the murder of two brothers, Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), from the Idu community in ONELGA. The brothers were accused of kidnapping and were killed by OSPAC on May 1, 2024. Their bodies, allegedly taken to the OSPAC Secretariat in Omoku, have yet to be found.
In another incident, OSPAC members, led by Egbeda OSPAC Commander Friday Ogbuji, allegedly ambushed and killed Youth Leader Innocent Didia on May 31, 2024, following a peaceful protest by the Egbeda community in Emuoha LGA.
The Rivers State Police Command is committed to investigating these cases thoroughly and ensuring justice is served. Arrests continue, and those found guilty will face trial in a competent court.
Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu has urged residents to report any instances of assault, extortion, or illegal detention to the nearest police station. The police remain dedicated to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate illegal activities, excessive force, or torture by any vigilante group, including OSPAC.
While acknowledging the importance of vigilante groups in community policing, the police command emphasized the need for these groups to operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of all citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
SP Grace Iringe Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and warned against any unlawful activities by individuals or groups.
The public is reassured of the police’s dedication to lawful enforcement and community safety, with ongoing efforts to engage and synergize with vigilante groups for effective policing.