The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, has strongly condemned the rising wave of banditry and kidnapping in several Ikwerre communities, particularly around the Port Harcourt International Airport axis.
Addressing newsmen at Obiri-Ikwerre, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, Eze Barr. Godspower Onuekwa expressed deep concern over the illegal occupation of forests in Ipo, Igwuruta, and demanded urgent intervention by the Federal and Rivers State governments to flush out the criminals.
Eze Barr. Onuekwa noted that the situation has become particularly alarming because the affected communities serve as host to the Port Harcourt International Airport, which receives both local and international visitors.
Ogbakor Ikwerre specifically decried the brazen attack on the Ipo community on April 8, 2026, where bandits kidnapped a couple. When members of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, attempted a rescue operation, the criminals, said to number over 200 and armed with sophisticated weapons, overpowered them and abducted the head of the vigilante, Mr Collins Ohahuru.
He said that at the time of the briefing, the fate of the abducted couple and Mr Ohahuru remained unknown, raising fears among residents who are now contemplating seeking refuge near the airport environment due to persistent threats from the bandits.
Describing the development as unacceptable, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre warned that the criminal activities are not only creating a theatre of fear and lawlessness but could also tarnish the image of the Ikwerre people before the nation and the international community, given the proximity of the communities to the international airport.
The group vowed not to fold its arms while criminal elements continue to disrupt the peace and economic life of the people.
It therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Rivers State Government, and all relevant security agencies to act swiftly to dislodge the bandits that have infiltrated the forests in Ipo, Igwuruta, and the Port Harcourt Airport environs.
The organisation stressed that the rate of insecurity in Ikwerre land (Iwhuruohna) is unacceptable, noting that the Ikwerre people are known to be peace-loving, industrious, and hospitable.
Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide also expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and the people of the Ipo community, urging all Ikwerre sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to remain calm, vigilant, and ready to cooperate with lawful authorities.
