OSPAC shoots man dead over land dispute

Kill victim after collecting 25,000 Naira ‘Bail’ money from him

*Police arrest two.

Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt

Police have arrested two OSPAC Vigilantee Members in Omademe, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers for shooting to death, one Godspower Dimkpa, yesterday, Thursday night after collecting Of 25,000 Naira ‘Bail’ Money.

According to reports, local vigilantee known as OSPAC in Omademe in IKwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has allgedly shot one Godspower Dimkpa dead, a native of Ipo 2, on Thursday 26, January, 2023. This happened shortly after the victim was released on payment of N25,000 “bail”to secure his release from their illegal detention cell.

The incident comes barely forty eight hours after Commissioner of Police, CP Effiong Okon reiterated ban on use of fire arms and detention of suspects by local vigilantee groups in the state.

Godspower Dimkpa, 29 years of age and father of two children was said to have been ambushed and shot dead by Omademe OSPAC members on his way to IPO 2, his community after he was released from OSPAC cell.

In an interview with our reporter, Luggard Dimkpa, an elder brother to the deceased said: “Yesterday the man he sold land to at the backyard, built his house and packed in and fence it. I don’t know what caused misunderstanding between my late brother and his tenant.

“The tenant, Community Development Committee, CDC, Chairman in Ipo community invited OSPAC members from Omademe OSPAC to arrest my brother.

“When (OSPAC) did not see my brother initially, they arrested me. Later they arrested my brother. To set him free, they demanded 25,000 naira, which I paid.

“On our way home, the armed OSPAC members ambushed attacked us on the road and shot at my brother, while I managed to escape”. 

The elder brother to the deceased further alleged that OSPAC members in Omademe are aware of his brother’s death from gunshot wounds.

Luggard Dimkpa claimed that members of the Vigilantee were hired him before the but they did not succeed.

He alleged that when their plans to eliminate him did not succeed, they cashed on their way home to shoot and kill him and his brother simultaneously yesterday. Unfortunately, they got my younger brother last night as he managed to escape by running into the bush.

The Police later arrested the deceased Tenant and his brother and taken to the Igwurita Police station.

Luggard Dimkpa stated that the Police were yet to arrest the CDC Chairman and some other persons linked to the killing.

“Police should help me find the OSPAC people, the CDC Chairman and John, Chamberline, Precious all of them are linked to my brother’s death”.

The Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko confirmed the incident. She said the deceased was rushed to the hospital after the shooting but later died after he was allegedly shot by OSPAC members.

SP Koko disclosed that the OSPAC, some members have been arrested and investigation is ongoing.

In the meantime the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign has condemned the alleged killing by OSPAC.

A lawyer with the group, Charles Edward, called for thorough investigation into the incident with a view to prosecuting anybody found culpable in the death of Godspower.

Mr Edward also called for proper monitoring and close supervision of local Vigilantee group by the Police to prevent reoccurence of such incidents.