Tension in Imo as Suspected Police Officer Arrested Over Alleged Abduction of Hausa Okada Riders
...Hausa Community Demands Justice as Seven Riders Remain Missing
By Kelechi Ugo
Tension is mounting within the Hausa community in Imo State following the arrest of a suspected police officer and a commercial mini-bus driver in connection with the alleged abduction of eight Hausa commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) in Owerri North Local Government Area.
The victims, all commercial riders operating around the Naze/Hausa Cluster Market in Naze, were reportedly declared missing over a month ago. While one of the victims has since been rescued and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, seven others remain unaccounted for.
Community leaders identified the affected riders as:
Habibu Mustapha
Usaini Basiru
Rashidu Ado
Wasilu Adamu
Salisu Musa
Zaharaddini Muntari
Abdul Aziz Baso
Suleman Ahmed
According to sources within the Hausa Community, the matter was initially reported to the Ihiagwa and Agbala Police Divisions shortly after the riders disappeared. However, little progress was reportedly made until a breakthrough occurred last Sunday.
The development followed information received by community leaders that a motorcycle allegedly belonging to one of the missing riders had been sighted at a beer parlour located along the Obibi–Malaysia Road junction. Acting on the tip-off, community leaders contacted officers from both the Ihiagwa and Agbala Police Divisions.
Sources alleged that a man identified as a police officer claimed ownership of the motorcycle during questioning. The situation reportedly escalated when another individual believed to be a police officer allegedly discharged tear gas at people gathered at the scene, creating confusion and enabling some suspects to flee.
The operation, however, led to the arrest of a suspected police officer and a commercial mini-bus driver believed to be linked to the case. The police officer has reportedly been transferred to the Imo State Police Command Headquarters for further investigation.
Further reports indicated that the suspect was attached to the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Owerri. Sources also alleged that security operatives recovered dangerous weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and loaded magazines, from the intercepted mini-bus. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the recovery.
The Hausa community has since called for a thorough investigation, the rescue of the seven missing riders, and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
Speaking on the development, a community leader at the Naze/Hausa Cluster Market expressed concern over the prolonged disappearance of the riders.
“We reported this matter more than a month ago. Our brothers left home in search of their daily livelihood and never returned. We are appealing to the authorities to intensify efforts to locate them and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The incident has reportedly heightened anxiety among commercial motorcyclists in the area, with many riders expressing fears over their safety, particularly during night operations.
Community leaders have appealed to the Imo State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure that the missing riders are found. They stressed that while the arrests represent a significant development, the immediate priority remains the safe recovery of the seven missing men and the prevention of similar incidents in the future.
When contacted via cellphone,the Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO of Imo State Police Command,DSP Henry Okoye confirmed the story, stating that official statement will be made public after Police conclude investigations.
