Residents of Ikuru Town in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government and security agencies to urgently intervene following an alleged invasion of their community by armed men claiming to be operatives of the Onelga Security, Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ikuru Town Community General Assembly, Priest Paul Amamino, the community described the incident as a breach of the recently signed peace and reconciliation agreement endorsed by all parties in a consent judgement at the Rivers State High Court, Sakpenwa Division.

The invasion reportedly occurred over the weekend when the armed men accompanied HRM King Dr. Aaron Miller Ikuru into the community, sparking fear and unrest among residents.

“We strongly reject the intrusion of armed cultists masquerading as OSPAC operatives into our peaceful community,” the statement read. “This reckless display of firearms is not only alarming but a clear violation of the peace agreement.”

The community appealed to Rivers State Administrator and Chief Security Officer, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, and the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole, to immediately investigate the incident and restore peace.

While expressing support for the presence of official security personnel like the police and Navy, the community condemned what they described as “notorious cultists” posing as security agents to intimidate and harass residents.

The statement accused one Mr. Destiny Ijah Minabelem, allegedly a loyalist of Mr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya and Mr. Urombo Metong Bertram, of leading the armed group. They were said to have paraded the community brandishing weapons, chanting war songs, and performing rituals involving white cocks and fetishes.

The community believes the invasion is linked to attempts by Ikanya and Bertram to pressure the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, led by Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (rtd), into reversing decisions regarding leadership positions and legal representation.

“We are peace-loving people and have chosen not to retaliate,” the statement concluded, “but we urge authorities to act swiftly before this fragile peace collapses.”