ENDSARS: LG Chairman In Rivers Quizzed By DSS For Inviting SARS To ‘Deal With Insecurity’

The Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Prince Gerrald Oforji (JP), who was alleged to have brought operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad into his council area to help deal with insecurity, has been invited by the Department of State Services.

The LGA chairman allegedly acted without approval from state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

THE WHISTLER, gathered that the Chairman brought in the men of the SARS to improve security in the area, but instead it led to bloodshed and they were resisted by groups in the community.

Residents of the LGA confronted the operatives who were alleged have intimidated and harassed members of the community.

On September 28, 2020, the confrontation led to a shoot-out between some “unknown gun” men and men of the SARS that led to the killing of one of the SARS’s operatives whose corpse is still in the mortuary.

THE WHISTLER, Learnt that the said shoot-out attracted the attention of the Governor who was not aware of the Operations of SARS in the LGA.

On October 1, the chairman brought in more SARS operatives to the LGA, again without the approval of the governor.

The DSS was forced to invite him for interrogations and further investigation, which was said to have the support of the governor.

A resident, Mr. Steven Meche, told THE WHISTLER the LG boss brought in SARS to terrorize his people, lodging and feeding them at the expense of the people.
“He went brought the SARS, gave them a well furnished apartment as an office and provided them with Vans to carry out their illegalities,” he lamented.

Efforts to speak with Prince Oforji were unsuccessful as he was not answering his phone.

Mr Miebaka ThankGod, a civil servant and resident of the aea also said:
“We thank the Governor for his quick response in ensuring that the Chairman gets arrested and interrogated as it serves him right.”