The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Mr. Chijioke Ihunwo, announced the immediate disbandment of the local vigilance group, known as the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee.
The move, according to Ihunwo, aims to curb the “excesses and high-handedness” reportedly displayed by OSPAC members.
The decision was made during a security meeting held on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Obio/Akpor council, with heads of security agencies in attendance.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Ihunwo confirmed that OSPAC’s operations would be halted immediately to allow the council to “regulate their activities moving forward.”
“Beginning from today, we have banned OSPAC in Obio/Akpor. By tomorrow, we are going to meet with the leadership and members of OSPAC in our LGA,” Ihunwo stated.
He expressed concern over instances where “some paramount rulers have OSPAC which they use to fight their rivals.”
He further explained that profiling of OSPAC members would soon begin to ascertain who is armed and for what purpose.
“In some cases, you see most of them dressed in black attire and carrying guns without approval from the police,” Ihunwo noted, adding that the Commissioner of Police has already been notified. He also referenced areas like Alakahia and Akpor where multiple OSPAC groups operate, saying, “We can’t allow this to continue.”
Ihunwo highlighted concerns about misconduct within OSPAC, alleging that some members use their authority to loot and even operate unauthorized cells where they detain innocent people.
“This cannot continue now that we are in charge of affairs of the council,” he declared.
The security meeting also addressed growing incidents of “One Chance” robbery operations in the LGA, particularly after a victim died on Saturday along G.U. Ake Road.
“A lot of people have been looted; a victim even died two days ago when he was pushed down along the G.U. Ake road,” Ihunwo said. In response, he instructed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the area to take immediate action to curb the menace.
“We have to fish out these criminal elements who are perpetrating evil in our local government,” he concluded.
