A cultural organisation in Ikwerre, Rivers State, has urged security agencies to flush out armed groups allegedly operating from forest areas in the locality, while also demanding the rescue of kidnapped victims in the area.
The appeal was made in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the President-General of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Dr. Godspower Onuekwa.
He condemned what he described as the increasing presence of armed criminals in forests across Ikwerre communities, linking the situation to a rise in kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to him, affected communities include Ipo, Igwuruta, Omagwa, Omademe, Ogbakiri, Emohua, and Elele.
Onuekwa alleged that the attackers, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, had disrupted farming and other economic activities, making life difficult for residents.
He also expressed concern over insecurity in areas close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, citing a recent incident in Ipo where a couple was abducted on April 8 by suspected criminals.
He further claimed that attempts by local vigilante groups to rescue the victims were unsuccessful, adding that the attackers overpowered the operatives and abducted their leader during the encounter.
He said the whereabouts of the kidnapped individuals remain unknown, heightening anxiety among residents.
The group leader also alleged that women in some communities had been attacked on farms, with reports of rape, assaults, and killings.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, he called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, and security agencies to take urgent action to dislodge criminal elements from the forests and restore safety.
While urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives, he stressed the need for sustained efforts to return peace to the affected areas.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain a response from the Rivers State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, did not respond to repeated enquiries.