Rivers Task Force Entered ‘Hausa’ Territory And Came Back With Broken Heads

Thursday, November 4 was a day members of the Rivers State Task Force on illegal street trading would never forget.

They had gone to enforce the law in the Hausa dominated community of Oginigba Slaughter, Trans-amadi area of Port Harcourt when suddenly they were confronted with stones, bottles and sound of gun shots from youths in the area.

The youths also brought out weapons to confront the unwanted visitors, forcing the task force to flee while some of those injured were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Coordinator of the taskforce, retired DSP Felix Nwadibeyi, said they were at the Trans Amadi area to enforce the ban when the thugs attacked them with guns, machetes and other dangerous weapons​.

He said,  “On Thursday at about 11am, I led my men to Trans-amadi, precisely slaughter, where a lot of street trading is taking place. The Hausa community on sighting us, started raining stones on us, my boys tried to resist and some armed police officers attached to us fired some gunshots just to scare them away. Before we knew it, the Hausa boys ran into the mosque and came out with riffles.

“That scared the taskforce members. As civilians, they are seeing guns against them, they withdrew. As they were withdrawing and running back to where our vehicles were parked, the Hausa boys chased after them, raining stones on them until three of our members and a Police man were caught up with the weapons thrown at us. These three people are in critical condition in the hospital.

“I was fortunate to dodge a stone coming directly to my face.We were there to clear the place from street trading, especially slaughter that was demolished by the state government. They have started building shanties making the place look untidy and they attacked us for carrying out our duties.

“What scared me most is the Hausa boys running into the mosque and bringing out guns. I’m a retired police officer, so I know exactly the type of guns I saw those Hausa boys bringing out, I was there live.”

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested ten of the cattle dealers in the area  over the violent attack on members of the task force.