Concerned indigenes and stakeholders of Abiriba, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, have submitted a petition to relevant authorities over what they describe as escalating security threats in the community.

According to the petition, Abiriba enjoyed 3–4 years of peace with no reports of ritual killings or violent crimes after a controversial individual popularly known as “Ike Marine” fled the town years ago following allegations of armed robbery and unlawful killings.

The petitioners claim that the individual returned to Abiriba in December 2025 without any known reconciliation with community or traditional leaders. Shortly after his return, residents allegedly began witnessing disturbing activities.

Of particular concern are multiple videos and photographs publicly circulated, including on social media platforms, in which the individual is seen: Carrying and displaying firearms
Discharging guns within the village and around village squares
Moving about the community with weapons in a manner that causes fear and intimidation
Gathering and associating closely with vulnerable youths within the village

These actions, especially the display and firing of guns within residential and communal spaces, pose a grave threat to public safety and have caused widespread fear among women, children, and elderly residents.

Additionally, the same individual has publicly shared videos showing ritual-like activities, including visits to rivers with live chickens and blood-related sacrifices within his village compound. These practices are not recognized as part of Abiriba’s cultural or traditional rites and have further heightened anxiety in the community

Most disturbing is a recent tragic incident in which a young girl was found murdered in a bush within Abiriba, with indications that an organ had been removed from her body. Crimes of this nature had not occurred in the community throughout the years of peace prior to December 2025. The close timing between this incident, the individual’s return, the circulation of ritual-related content, and the public display and use of firearms has generated deep concern among community members.

We wish to clearly state that this petition does not seek to declare anyone guilty. Only the appropriate authorities have the mandate to investigate and determine responsibility. However, given the historical context, observable conduct, available visual evidence, and the disturbing sequence of events, we respectfully submit that these developments constitute serious security threats requiring urgent attention.

We therefore humbly request:
Immediate and thorough investigation by relevant security and law enforcement agencies
Examination and preservation of all videos and photographs showing firearms, gunshots, gatherings of youths, and ritual-related activities
Assessment of the legality of firearm possession and use within the community
Increased security presence and surveillance in Abiriba

Protective measures for vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and youths
Engagement with community leaders to prevent fear, unrest, or unlawful retaliation

We strongly discourage mob action or extrajudicial measures, as these would only escalate tension and undermine justice. Our sole objective is the preservation of peace, safety, and the rule of law in Abiriba.

Abiriba has enjoyed years of calm, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this peace is not lost. We trust that the appropriate authorities will treat this petition with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.
Yours faithfully,

Concerned Indigenes of Abiriba (Anonymous)