•Armed Fulani herdsmen
The residents of Iguruta Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a peaceful protest over the killing of one of their youth leaders, Nchelem Samuel Festus, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Festus was a former Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta and was killed by suspected herders on Tuesday, reports Vanguard.
It was gathered that some armed individuals who appeared like herders had attacked Festus and others in the community and murdered the vicitm in the process.
The invaders had injured some other people including one Charles Adiele, a member of a local vigilante group in the area.
It was gathered that the development had sparked panic in the area as the killers had fled the scene on motorcycles after carrying out the act.
However, today, the youths of the area took to protesting demanding an end to cattle rearing activities in their area.
The protesting youths also demanded an end to scavengers and motorcycles activities in the area, calling on any Northerner with evil intentions to vacate their community.
The youths, who made this demands in a communique issued during the protest regretted the development.
Reading the communique on behalf of the youths, Gilead Chimenem, said the killers invaded the community on over 40 motorcycles.
Chimenem said: “The Igwuruta community is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic murder of our son, Nchelem Samuel Festus who was the Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, who was killed on 10th of February, 2026 by Aboki bike riders within our own land.
“This heinous act, along with the ongoing rapes, kidnappings, and other criminal activities perpetrated by these same individuals, has shattered the peace and hospitality that Igwuruta has long been known for.
“Igwuruta has always been a welcoming and peaceful community, where residents and visitors alike live and conduct business without fear. However, recent provocations and escalating violence by these criminal elements have made it clear that immediate action is required to protect our people and restore safety.”
Chimenem demanded an end to scrap dump sites in the area and motorcycles operations by northerners in the community, adding that the people would not take the laws into their hands.
He said: “Therefore, as a peace‑loving community, we hereby make the following demands: Immediate stopping of all Aboki bike‑rider operations within Igwuruta.
Closure of every scrap‑dump site in Igwuruta that is operated by these individuals. Prompt arrest and prosecution of all Aboki bike riders involved in the murder of Nchelem Samuel Festus and any other crimes committed against our people.
“All cattle herders must vacate our farmlands, and all herdsmen must stay away from our bushes with immediate effect. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and will not resort to self‑help.”
Chimenem called on urgent intervention as regards their first and second demands, adding that the failure to carry at effective action might force the people to seek self help.
He said: “Nevertheless, we expect the relevant security agencies to act decisively on demands 1 and 2 within 48 hours of this communiqué. Failure to do so will compel the community to take necessary measures to safeguard our lives and property.
“We call on all security agencies, local government authorities, and concerned stakeholders to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and to work with us in restoring peace and justice to Igwuruta.”
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, has banned the operations of motorcycle in Iguruta community between 6pm and 6am till further notice.
Wobodo made the order when he visited the family of the late victim, Festus, stating the directive takes effect immediately from Thursday.
He said the temporary closure was a measure to put a security check as concenrs kidnapping, rapping and killings in the area.
The LGA boss said some criminals use advantage of motorcycle to perpetuate insecurity, adding that those involved would face the full weight of the law.
He urged the community to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their investigation.
He said: “This matter is coming from the level of bike activities in Iguruta and we have for many times actually banned bike in Igwuruta because from our investigations this has been aiding kidnapping and killing.
“It has been causing plenty of insecurity in Ikwerre local government and the report we have gotten the accident is so much in Igwuruta.
“We will not say we are very wicked governments to punish everybody at the same time. So what we will do right now from six o’ clock, no bike should operate in a Igwuruta anymore.
The police are here, other security groups are there. We don’t want this bike cascality in these areas because from one time to another we have had plenty of those they kidnapped.
Meantime, a Senior police officer serving in Igwuruta Divisional Police Headquarters, said several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and that investigations are ongoing.
