February 12, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Charles Wobodo, has ordered a ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, in Igwuruta community, following a brutal attack that led to the killing of a community leader.
The victim, Mr Samuel Nchelem, Secretary of the Omuolu family in Omunwei, Igwuruta, was reportedly murdered on Tuesday night by youths believed to be strangers in the community.
The incident was said to have followed the arrest of two suspected motorcycle thieves, who allegedly stole a motorcycle belonging to one of the attackers. The suspects were reportedly apprehended and brought into the Omuolu community, triggering a violent reprisal.
Confirming the incident, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Igwuruta, Mr Lucky Matthew, told THEWILL that Nchelem was stabbed to death while accompanying members of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, to hand over the suspects at the Igwuruta Police Station.
Matthew disclosed that the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding on over 40 motorcycles, intercepted the vehicle conveying Nchelem and the vigilante members, and launched a coordinated assault. He added that a member of OSPAC sustained serious machete injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Reacting to the development, Wobodo announced the ban on okada operations during a condolence visit to the victim’s family in Omunwei. He said the decision was aimed at restoring peace, safeguarding lives and property, and addressing the persistent security challenges in Igwuruta and its environs.
According to the council chairman, the restriction takes effect from Thursday, February 12, 2026, and will last for an initial period of one month, running daily from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Wobodo assured residents that those responsible for the killing would be brought to justice, while directing security agencies and members of OSPAC to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
Meanwhile, tension heightened in the area on Thursday morning as youths barricaded the Port Harcourt International Airport Road in protest, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. Sources said even military vehicles were unable to penetrate the blockade, causing significant disruption along the busy corridor.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts are intensified to restore normalcy and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the community.
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