Gunmen Abduct Vigilante Leader After Clash In Ikwerre Community

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a violent confrontation between a local vigilante group and suspected bandits in Ipo Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the community on edge, with a vigilante leader identified simply as Ohahuru reportedly missing after the clash.

According to sources, Ohahuru, who heads the local security outfit known as the Ipo Security Planning and Advisory Committee (ISPAC), led a team of vigilante operatives into nearby bushes following reports of suspicious armed individuals in the area.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the alarm was raised by farmers who claimed to have sighted unknown gunmen in the forest.

Acting on the intelligence, the vigilante group, alongside some security personnel, moved into the bush to track the suspects. However, they were reportedly ambushed by the gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The bandits opened fire on them with sophisticated weapons,” the source said. “After the shootout, the ISPAC leader did not return. Efforts are ongoing to locate him.”

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It was gathered that the attackers overpowered the vigilante team during the encounter and allegedly abducted their leader.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have intensified efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and secure the safe return of the missing commander.