Several Ogoni chiefs, along with their traditional ruler, have fled the community due to a recent attack by suspected cultists who invaded the area on Monday.
Following the fresh attack, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, has ordered the deployment of additional operatives to Bodo City in the Gokana Local Government Area to prevent further security breaches.
It’s worth noting that a few days after an oil spill occurred from the Trans Niger Pipeline over a fortnight ago, two youths who were on surveillance duty at a Shell pipeline in the area were shot dead by the rampaging cultists.
Quest Times has learned that on Monday, a group of armed gunmen stormed the community, resulting in the killing of an unidentified youth.
The recent wave of violence has caused panic among residents, including chiefs, who fear for their lives, leading them to flee to safer towns.
Speaking to reporters, Joseph Kpobia, the Vice Chairman of the Bodo Council of Traditional Rulers, raised alarm about the threats made by the miscreants, claiming that his life and the lives of other chiefs were in danger.
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Kpobia revealed that he was on the cultists’ wanted list, who intended to harm him. He pleaded with the state governor to intervene and secure the community, restoring peace for the residents and their families.
Also, the Regent of the Bodo Community, Mene Joseph Kpai, confirmed that some individuals, including chiefs, were in hiding.
“Yes, it is true, although I am in Bodo, I am not at my house. I am outside as I went for something,” said Kpai.
When asked about the presence of security in the area, Kpai responded negatively. He noted that the hoodlums struck again shortly after they sensed that peace had returned to the community.
“On Monday, after the cultists attacked, people were running, but later there was calm. Even after the first attack two weeks ago, there was calm, but on Monday, they struck again,” Kpai stated.
Regarding the number of chiefs who fled the area due to the attack, Kpai said, “If I were at home, I would have told you, but I do know that some of them have left their homes.”
Emeka Nwonyi, the state Commissioner of Police, while speaking with The Punch, mentioned that he had personally met with the chiefs and other stakeholders in the area to discuss the way forward.
He expressed surprise at the latest developments and mentioned that he had directed the deployment of additional personnel to enhance security in Bodo, despite having limited available operatives.