The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a case of violent invasion, arresting twelve individuals linked to a brutal attack on a residential estate in Port Harcourt. The incident, which left a trail of injuries, destruction, and an abduction, occurred in the Mbodo–Aluu area along Airport Road.
Chronology of a Violent Invasion
The Rivers estate attack unfolded on the afternoon of Monday, January 5, 2025. According to police reports, at about 1:15 p.m., a large group of assailants, suspected to be members of the OSPAC vigilante group from Obio/Akpor LGA and hired thugs, stormed Unity Estate. They were heavily armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, charms, and other dangerous weapons.
Police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the attackers fired shots indiscriminately, causing panic among residents. Preliminary investigations point to the alleged coordination of the assault by Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, who are currently at large. The operational leader is said to be the Akpor OSPAC commander, Azubuike, alias "Ocean," who is also on the run.
Casualties, Abduction, and Police Response
The violent onslaught had severe consequences. The estate was partially destroyed, and several vehicles were damaged. Among the victims was Apostle Stephen Nmecha from Rumuekini, who sustained a severe gunshot wound to the leg, reportedly shattering the limb. He was then abducted by the attackers. Other residents fled into nearby bushes with varying injuries to escape the violence.
Responding to a distress call, operatives from the Choba Division, reinforced by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Octopus Tactical Teams, launched a combined security operation. This swift action led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Exhibits Recovered and Suspects in Custody
During the operation, police recovered a cache of exhibits believed used in the attack. The items include:
- One automatic pump-action gun
- One live cartridge and several expended cartridges
- Assorted charms
- Five motorcycles, two mini-buses, and one Siena van
The Police arrested 12 suspects in connection with the crime. The individuals in custody are:
Chinedu Nnodim (45), Joel Wopara (49), Wopara Iyke (45), Henry Godwin Orumere (44), Chidi Herbert (47), Wobe Ginikanwa (44), Bright Ezekiel (51), Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba (42), Okechukwu Igwe (54), John Chukwudi (56), Chi Ezekwu (43), and Clement Bassey (32). All are residents of various parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, strongly condemned the actions of the OSPAC operatives, describing them as reckless and reprehensible. He issued a stern warning that no group or individual would be permitted to take the law into their hands under any guise.
