In a shocking incident that has left the community of Eagle Island in Port Harcourt reeling, security agencies including Port Harcourt Security Watch (PHALGA), Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch, and Azikiwe Police Division collaborated to apprehend 12 individuals suspected to be involved in internet fraud (commonly referred to as ‘Yahoo boys’). The suspects are accused of burying a newborn baby alive at the Andoni waterfront in Eagle Island, sending shockwaves through the region.*
*Chairman of the PHALGA security outfit and Chief Security Officer of Eagle Island, Victor Ohaji, revealed that the operation was prompted by an intelligence report indicating that the Yahoo boys were performing incantations at the waterfront. Despite their swift response, the culprits had fled the scene by the time security personnel arrived. Ohaji explained, “On Wednesday morning, one of my brothers called that some Yahoo boys are doing some incantations at Eagle Island waterfront in the Andoni area sand field.” He further added, “On random inspection, we saw where they did the incantation and we discovered that the boys had dug the ground and buried something there. We had to dig the place to see what was buried and we saw a newborn baby boy buried.”*
*In a collaborative effort, the PHALGA Security Watch, Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch, and the police initiated a search for the suspects. The operation took a dramatic turn as the security forces encountered the suspects leaving a hotel. A pursuit ensued, resulting in the arrest of some of the individuals. The detainees were subsequently taken to the Azikiwe Police Division for further investigation.*
*Meanwhile, Victor Ohaji called upon the Rivers State government to provide essential logistical support such as operational vehicles to enhance the efficiency of the security forces. The arrested suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Port Harcourt for continued scrutiny.*
*Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident, pledging to provide additional information. Notably, human rights advocate Prince Wiro, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, vehemently condemned the actions of the suspects. He expressed outrage at the “height of wickedness and man’s inhumanity to man.” Commending the security personnel for their efforts, Wiro urged the police to ensure that all members of the gang are apprehended and brought to justice.*
