Rivers Police arrest 12 suspects after Aluu estate attack, rescue abducted resident, and recover firearms, vehicles, and other weapons

At least 12 suspects have been arrested following a commando-style attack on an estate in Mbodo, Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, during which a resident was shot and abducted, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed.

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Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the attackers, reportedly including members of the OSPAC vigilante group and hired thugs, stormed the estate on Monday afternoon, firing indiscriminately and damaging property and vehicles.

“The incident occurred on 5 January at about 13:15 hours, when suspected OSPAC operatives from Obio/Akpor LGA, along with armed thugs, invaded the estate with pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other weapons,” the statement said.

One resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha of Rumuekini, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and was abducted during the attack.

Police operatives responded swiftly, rescued the victim, and transported him to a medical facility for treatment.

Other residents reportedly sustained minor injuries and fled into nearby bushes for safety.

Recovered items from the suspects included an automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two minibuses, and one Siena van.

The 12 arrested suspects are: Chinedu Nnodim, Joel Wopara, Wopara Iyke, Henry Godwin Orumere, Chidi Herbert, Wobe Ginikanwa, Bright Ezekiel, Ibuchi Choice Ogba, Okechukwu Igwe, John Chukwudi, Chi Ezekwu, and Clement Bassey.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince coordinated the attack and remain at large, along with the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, alias Ocean.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju condemned the “reckless” actions of the vigilante operatives, stressing that OSPAC is expected to function strictly under police supervision.

He assured residents that all fleeing suspects would be arrested and face the full weight of the law.

The police urged the public with relevant information to report to the nearest station.

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The state has experienced a rise in violent attacks recently, including assaults on police officers, and authorities said efforts to apprehend other suspects and recover stolen weapons are ongoing.