Hoodlums believed to be Creek dwellers have reportedly abducted 10 persons including four children in Isua, JK2 community in Engenni, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The victims, six women and four children with them were taken when the former had gone to their farms to harvest crops to avoid destruction from the impending floods.
A source in the local government simply identified as Ezuwa told newsmen that the hoodlums came from a nearby community called Oshobele, after crossing the River.
He stated that the development has left villagers and residents terrified, describing the kidnap as one, out of the many security issues confronting the community.
Ezuwa stated, “These women went to their farms to harvest crops because of the floods coming. And these boys (abductors) have to cross from the neighbouring Oshobele areas to the farm and kidnap them and their children.
“This is just one out of the many that have been going on in the local government. The people have raised concerns to the local government chairman and the Police Division in Akinima, but nothing has been done so far.”
He disclosed that the latest incident was capable of igniting a communal crisis, ” Because it is now seen as an Ekpeye and Engenni thing.”
Ezuwa also said the hoodlums had hitherto demanded N450,000 from the community which they term a security vote and was paid by the community last Sunday.
He decried the absence of policemen in the community, which he said was why the miscreants operate with audacity.
While noting that many persons have fled the community, Ezuwa said, “The few one’s at home they ask them to pay a kind of living allowance, N450, 000 or else they are going to kill everybody in the community.
“Out of fear, they paid the money. They now brought new guidelines for each household to be paying N1,500 every week which will be remitted to the criminals.
“And because of fear, nobody can even go outside. So this is what is going on. We can’t really tell the community they hail from, but they came through Oshobele community, kidnapped these people at Isua and cross back to Oshobele community again which is their hideout.”
While calling on the Rivers State Government to ensure the release of the women and their children, he said i not properly handled, it could spark a communal crisis between Isua and their neighbouring Oshobele community.
“My call is for the Rivers State Government to come in because it is obvious that the Division (Police) in Ahoada West, even the local government authorities too can’t handle it.
“The people have written several to the Local Government Council, yet nothing has been done. So, our call is for the Rivers State Government to come and help us. That is the only hope we have.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said, “Yes, and efforts are on to ensure the release of the women and the children, and as you know the command is not sleeping.
“We are after the kidnappers. As we speak, the Commissioner of Police has deployed the tactical team to ensure they are arrested and made to face the law for their actions.”
