Panic gripped residents of Ipo Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State after a vigilante leader was reportedly abducted during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits.

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being identified confirmed the incident, which he said occurred on Friday, to our correspondent.

The vigilante leader, simply identified as Ohahuru, had led a team of vigilante men in search of the bandits who allegedly stormed the bushes and forests in the area but moments later, he was missing.

He said the vigilante Chairman mobilised the local vigilante group in the area, Ipo Security Planning and Advisory Committee, codenamed ‘ISPAC’, when information about the presence of strange persons in the bushes filtered into the community.

The source alleged the vigilante team went with some policemen but regretted that the security team was met with stiff opposition and heavy firepower in the bush by the invaders, even as he claimed that the vigilante leader was held by the bandits and that his whereabouts remain unknown.

“On Saturday, some farmers came back home when 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 (assailants).

“The vigilante people got there, and 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,” he disclosed.

The source said the development has created tension in the area, with residents raising concerns about the presence of suspected bandits.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, said that although the information on the matter is not clear, an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the true situation.

Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated, “Investigation is ongoing on that matter. We don’t have a clear picture yet, but the investigation is ongoing. As soon as I have clear information, I will issue a statement.”

Rivers State, particularly its rural and riverine communities, has in recent years grappled with rising insecurity, including cult-related violence, kidnappings and sporadic armed attacks.

Security concerns have also been heightened by reports of criminal elements moving across state boundaries, with some communities raising alarms over the influx of suspected bandits into forested areas. (The Nation)

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