Outrage in Rivers: Igwuruta Boils After Brutal Killing of Youth Leader by Suspected Herders
By Passman Akpos
Tension has gripped Igwuruta Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State following the gruesome killing of a youth leader, Festus Nchelem, by suspected herders, sparking outrage and a wave of peaceful protests by residents demanding justice and tighter security.Festus, a former Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, was reportedly attacked on Tuesday evening during a violent confrontation.
Eyewitnesses said armed men, described as herders, stormed the area on more than 40 motorcycles and engaged members of a local vigilante group. In the chaos, the assailants allegedly dragged Festus from his vehicle and stabbed him multiple times, leading to his death.
Several others, including a vigilante identified as Charles, sustained injuries during the attack. The gunmen reportedly fled immediately after carrying out the assault, leaving the community in shock.
By Thursday, angry but peaceful youths took to the streets, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded urgent intervention from security agencies. Protesters called for an end to cattle rearing, motorcycle operations, and scavenging activities in the area, warning that individuals with criminal intentions should steer clear of their community.
Reading a communique on behalf of the youths, Gilead Chimenem condemned the killing, describing it as a direct assault on the peace of Igwuruta.
“The Igwuruta community is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic murder of our son, Nchelem Samuel Festus, killed on February 10, 2026, by Aboki bike riders within our land,” he said.
Chimenem lamented what he described as a growing pattern of insecurity, including alleged cases of rape, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, which he said had shattered the peace of a once welcoming community. He demanded the immediate closure of scrap sites, a halt to motorcycle operations by Northerners, and the evacuation of cattle herders from local farmlands and forests.
He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies to act decisively, warning that failure to do so could compel residents to take necessary steps to defend themselves and their property.
In response to the rising tension, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, announced a ban on motorcycle operations in Igwuruta between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family, Wobodo said the restriction was aimed at curbing incidents of kidnapping, rape, and killings in the area.
“Some criminals exploit motorcycles to perpetrate insecurity. Those involved will face the full weight of the law,” he said, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.A senior officer at the Igwuruta Divisional Police Headquarters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.
Confirming the incident, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, said investigations were ongoing and assured residents that calm had been restored.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident that led to the death of the youth. Calm has returned to the area and the investigation is ongoing,” she stated.
As security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible, residents say they remain watchful, insisting that justice for Festus Nchelem must be served to prevent further breakdown of law and order
