By Mercy Akossun
There was palpable tension in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday as security operatives arrested five Fulani youths accused of killing commercial motorcyclists in the community.
The suspects were arrested in a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Omoku Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), and local hunters. Their arrest follows weeks of rising insecurity and reports of Okada riders being ambushed and killed on rural roads.
Confirming the development, a senior police officer who did not wish to be named told reporters: “We have five suspects in custody who are being interrogated. They were arrested with the help of OSPAC and local hunters after credible intelligence pointed to their involvement in the recent killings. The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests are likely.”
Residents of Omoku said the attacks had instilled fear among motorcyclists. One rider, who gave his name simply as Chukwuemeka, said: “We cannot go out early in the morning or late at night because of these killings. Many of our colleagues have died. We just want the government to protect us.”
Another community member, Mrs. Patience Ijeoma, described the arrest as a relief but urged authorities not to relent. “Omoku has suffered too much insecurity. These Okada riders are young men struggling to feed their families. Government must make sure this does not continue.”
The vigilante group OSPAC, which played a key role in the operation, assured the community that it would continue to work with the police. An OSPAC commander said: “We are not taking chances. Anybody caught terrorising this community will face the law.”
The Rivers State Police Command said the suspects remain in custody and would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
