Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide on Monday demanded swift government intervention to flush out bandits from their forests and release of the kidnapped persons in Ipo Community.
Addressing a press conference at Obiri Ikwerre in Port Harcourt, the socio-cultural organization condemned what it described as the “illegal occupation of our forests by bandits and the incessant kidnapping of members of our communities”
The organization lamented that the bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons have made life unbearable for the people, bringing to halt economic and farming activities.
“Perhaps, more disturbing is the fact that these communities constitute the host communities to the International Airport with international and local visitors.
“Specifically, on the 8th of April 2026, these bandits unleashed their own venom over the Ipo community in which a couple was kidnapped.
“Efforts by the local vigilante to rescue the abducted couple were unsuccessful as the bandits numbering over 200 overpowered the local vigilante through its superior firepower and unfortunately abducted the head of the vigilante group, one Mr. Collins Ohahuru,” the group said.
According to the statement, the whereabouts of the abductees was still unknown, even as they expressed fear that the persistent assault from the bandits could force residents to migrate towards the airport environment for safety.
“Our women are raped in the farms, maimed and killed. Mr G. I. Agu was earlier kidnapped in his cucumber farm in Omunwei Igwuruta and released near the airport after a huge ransome was paid.
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“These nefarious activities must be brought to book. We will not fold our arms while criminal elements turn our land to a theatre of fear and lawlessness.
“The Ikwerre ethnic nationality frowns at the brazen assault on our peace and security, because whatever happens will reflect on our people and bring us to bad light before the nation and the international community as a result of our proximity to the International Airport”, they stated.
The organization expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted men and Ipo community, urging all Ikwerre sons and daughters at home and in diaspora to remain calm and vigilant and to cooperate with lawful authorities as the people demand justice and safety in their land.
