Clampdown On Hoodlums By Comm. Vigilantes: Cultists Fight Back As CSO Escapes Death
In what appears to be a reprisal attack, suspected cultists have attacked the camp of Omerelu Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in Omerelu, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The leader of the vigilante group, Victor Obodokwe Welekwe who was alone at the time of the attack was said to have narrowly escaped death. We learned the suspected cultists fled the scene before the arrival of other members of the group who were on patrol in the community.
A community source informed National Network that the attack by the hoodlums may not be unconnected with the dislodging of a kidnap syndicate led by one ‘Okute,’ a suspected ‘Deygbam’ cult leader, and armed robber.
The source stated that the group may have carried out the attack to weaken the morale of the vigilante group and instil fear in them to enable the group continue their business of kidnapping especially during the festive period.
We gathered that operations of the kidnap syndicate came to a halt after they were dislodged from their camp in Omerelu by OSPAC in collaboration with security agencies a month ago.
Omerelu –Elele axis of Ikwerre local government area before now was a fertile ground for kidnappers who abducted vehicles and passengers at will. In July this year, men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) reportedly destroyed one of the major camps allegedly used by ‘Okute’ and his gang.
