Wike declares full blown war on IPOB in Rivers, places N50 million bounty on suspect

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has ordered for the arrest of one, Mr. Stanley Mgbere for alledgedly leading the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in attacks on Wednesday in Portharcourt.

He has placed a sum of N50 million ransom for anyone who offers information leading to the arrest of the ringleader.

Members of IPOB on Wednesday commandeered by the wanted ringleader, have field day unleashing violence on Police stations leaving two Police officers dead.

First in their dawn attack was the Police Area Command, Obigbo, Afam Divisional Police Office and a court, all in Oyigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers, but were resisted while attempted invasion of two other police stations.

Worried by the IPOB’s activities, the governor in live broadcast, called for arrest of IPOB members, while banning any form of procession in the State.

The governor.said: “Security agencies are directed to stop any form of procession or agitation by IPOB in Rivers or any part thereof and arrest and prosecute any person or group that identifies with IPOB in the State. Government will issue executive order to strengthen effective enforcement of these measures.

“Today IPOB continued with its devilish and destructive activities at Rumukwurushi, Iriebe and Oyigbo in open defiance of the State Government’s curfew on human movements.

“Security intelligence and surveillance reveal that IPOB has continued to expand membership drive, holding meetings regularly, and expanding its logistical base, including maintenance of illegal detention cells in Emenike and other parts of Diobu, Port Harcourt.“Oyigbo town has practically become the group’s main operational base in Rivers, from which they’ve become notorious for launching premeditated violence and terror on the State, businesses and innocent citizens.

“As a people, we have become very much unsettled by the terrorist acts and endured the continuing irritations, violence, destruction and provocations of IPOB in and against the people of Rivers State.”

While sympathizing with victims of IPOB orchestrated violence, Wike assured them of compensation option after assessment has been carried out by his administration.