Police launch probe as suspected bandits abduct vigilante leader in Rivers
The Rivers State Police command has commenced an investigation into an alleged clash between a vigilante group in Ipo Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area and suspected bandits from the north.
The Rivers State Police command has commenced an investigation into an alleged clash between a vigilante group in Ipo Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area and suspected bandits from the north.
A vigilante leader simply identified as Ohahuru was reported missing after the clash that unsettled the community.
Ohahuru was said to have led a team of vigilante men in search of the bandits, who allegedly stormed the bushes and forests in the area.
A community source, who spoke in confidence said the incident happened on Saturday.
He said the vigilante chairman mobilized the Ipo Security Planning and Advisory Committee codenamed ISPAC when he was told about the presence of strange persons in the bushes.
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The source said the invaders engaged the vigilante team in gun duel and later seized the chairman.
He said: "On Saturday, some farmers came back home that they saw strange people with guns inside the bush and because of that vigilante people and some policemen entered the bush to look for them.
"The vigilante people got there but those bandits opened fire on them. They have sophisticated weapons. After that, the leader of the ISPAC has not returned. They are still looking for him"
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Blessing Agabe said though the report on the matter was not clear, investigation was ongoing to ascertain the true situation.
Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police said: “Investigation is ongoing on that matter. We don’t have a clear picture yet, but investigation is ongoing. As soon as I have clear information I will issue a statement".
