Metro

Travelers Stranded In Rivers As Soldiers Block Road After IPOB Clash

Published

1 year ago

May 31, 2024

Several trucks, petroleum tankers, and vehicles are trapped around the Oyigbo axis of the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway in Rivers State as security operatives block the Imo-Rivers border on Friday.

This followed the killing of some soldiers by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in Abia State who were enforcing the sit-at-home order in commemoration of the May 30th ‘Biafra Day.’

Following the long queues, hundreds of passengers are stranded as movement to the neighbouring Abia State is restricted.

“People travelling, look at pregnant women are also here because of what they said happened in Aba.”

It was gathered that the blockade may be connected to reports of sporadic shooting into the air early on Thursday morning by suspected IPOB members at the Oyigbo roundabout and kom-kom community in Oyigbo LGA in Rivers State.

The PUNCH reports that the trucks queued along the border between Abia and Rivers State were travelling to different parts of the South-East before they met the blockade.

Some drivers said they have been at one location since Thursday due to the barricade; none of the drivers are even willing to go to Aba, Abia State, for fear of being attacked due to the tension there.

One said, “Heavily armed Army men blocked the Imo River and the border between Abia and Rivers State. So, there is no movement because of what is happening in Abia State. We have been like this since Friday morning.

“We heard that the IPOB people in Abia State are having problems with soldiers, that some soldiers and civilians were killed. That is why we packed here.

“But we are hoping that the security will improve so that they will remove the blockade so we can continue our journey.”

Another truck driver, identified as Ikechukwu, said he and his motor boy slept on the road from Thursday evening till now due to the barricade by soldiers.

“You can see that soldiers have blocked this Imo gate here. So there is no road, and we have been here without food. Let the government come to our aid because already there is serious hardship in this country.”

But moving into Oyigbo town, residents deny any shooting, saying the place is peaceful. Our correspondent observed that there was calm in the area, with free vehicular movements, even as shops and other businesses were open to customers.

One of the residents who did not want his name mentioned said, “I’m living in Oyigbo here, and there is nothing like gunshots. Where there is a problem is in Abia State after the altercation on Thursday.

“But the information we are getting now is that soldiers have blocked the expressway, and cars and trucks cannot move. But Oyigbo is calm.”

Related Topics:#South-East IPOB Soldiers

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Metro

Police Arrest Suspected Militant, Hunt Fleeing Monarch In A’Ibom

Published

10 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with marine hunters, have arrested a suspected militant, Samuel Geofrey, who allegedly specialises in sea piracy and kidnapping in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

The command has also launched a manhunt for a traditional ruler (name withheld) believed to be Geofrey’s collaborator and reportedly in possession of operational tools used by the militant.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo on Tuesday.

Azare said the suspect was arrested on November 3, 2025, at about 11:45 am, while the traditional ruler fled when operatives stormed his residence.

He explained that a search of the monarch’s makeshift residence led to the recovery of several items allegedly used for sea piracy operations.

Recovered items included one 40HP, two 15HP, and one 8HP marine engines; four power heads; four gearboxes; four propellers; four engine covers; one Snow Sea deep freezer; and three generators, among others.

According to the CP, “On November 3, 2025, at about 1145hrs, operatives of the command, in collaboration with marine hunters, intercepted and arrested one Samuel Geofrey, aged 27, a native of Atakpere Community in Ekeremo LGA of Bayelsa State.

“The suspect confessed to being an active militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping. He disclosed that his rifle was in the custody of one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village.

“Operatives immediately stormed the village, but the Village Head fled upon sighting the team. A search of his makeshift residence led to the recovery of numerous items suspected to have been stolen from sea travelers.”

Items recovered included one 40HP, two 15HP, and one 8HP marine engines; four power heads; four gearboxes; four propellers; four engine covers; one Snow Sea deep freezer; three generators; three brand-new toilet seats; two brand-new toilet sinks; one sewing machine; and a bag containing the personal effects of one Chibuike Vincent Awah of Onitsha, Anambra State, including his ID card and NIN slip.

Azare noted that the suspect would soon be arraigned in court, adding that efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing traditional ruler.

He further disclosed that during the same period, the command arrested two suspects after raiding an illegal gun manufacturing factory in Ekriti Itam Village, Itu Local Government Area.

According to him, “Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives on October 24, 2025, raided an illegal gun manufacturing facility at Ekriti Itam Village, Itu LGA, arresting Aniekan Aniedi (39) and Ubong Udofia (35).

“Exhibits recovered include three fabricated locally made guns, five pieces of metal pipe, two iron rods, copper wire, two flat metal plates (gun butts), one welding machine, one mini electric screwdriver, and one electric filing machine.”

Metro

Rivers Shuts Market As Hoodlums Stab Trader To Death Over N500

Published

10 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

Authorities in Rivers State have shut down the popular Obio/Akpor International Market, also known as Amaechi Market, following the killing of a trader identified simply as Ejike, allegedly by a group of meat sellers during a quarrel over N500.

The incident occurred around 11am on Sunday, along SARS Road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when over 20 attackers reportedly stabbed Ejike multiple times with daggers.

Eyewitnesses said another man who attempted to rescue the victim was also stabbed in the ribs and is now in critical condition in the hospital.

Outraged by the killing, female traders on Monday staged a protest at the Obio/Akpor Council headquarters, demanding the relocation of the alleged violent group while expressing fear over rising insecurity in the market.

One of the protesters, who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimisation, claimed that aside from the deceased, another person went into a coma.

“One man is dead, and the person who tried to rescue him is in a coma. More than 20 of them chased him over N500 and stabbed him to death. We want peace. They should leave our market,” a protesting woman said.

Another trader, who declined to be named, accused the attackers of being behind criminal activities in the market.

She lamented, “They break into our shops, steal goods, and even sell drugs behind the market.

“We don’t feel safe anymore. The government should help us.”

The Market Chairman, C.P. Oburu, confirmed the incident, saying Ejike was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

“When I got the call while in church, I rushed to the scene. The doctor confirmed him dead. We took his body to the mortuary and reported to the police,” he said.

Oburu added that the market has been sealed by the council authorities and police, pending further investigation.

“The local government chairman has intervened. Security agencies have made some arrests, and the market will remain closed until further notice,” he said.

Confirming the incident, state Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said one person was killed by yet-to-be-identified attackers.

“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical units to cordon off the market and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Investigation is ongoing,” she stated.

Metro

Family Declares 45-year-old Hairdresser Missing In Ibeju-Lekki

Published

10 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

A 45-year-old woman, Oluwafunmilayo Oluwaseun Adesuyi, has been declared missing in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

According to Boluwatife Adesuyi, her son, and Mr. Adekunle, her brother-in-law, Oluwafunmilayo, a hairdresser by occupation and mother of four children, who resides at House 1, Road 1, Onidogbo Town, Aiyeteju, Ibeju-Lekki, was last seen on September 17, 2025, within the Ibeju-Lekki area.

She is described as tall and fair in complexion. Boluwatife, her eldest son, said she left home on Thursday, 17th September 2025, and hasn’t returned since then. He said all efforts to trace her whereabouts since the day she went missing have proved unsuccessful.

The case has been reported to the police, and the family is appealing to members of the public with any useful information to assist in locating her.

Anyone with information about Oluwafunmilayo Adesuyi’s whereabouts is urged to contact 08165274101 or report to the nearest police station.