Imo: Paths of Peace Initiatives accuses vigilante leader, members of intimidation, extortion

Wisdom Adebisi

In the petition addressed to the governor, the group called for an investigation into the activities of the vigilante members, particularly their leader, identified as Mr Larry.

The organisation, through its National President, Dandy Eze, said it had received complaints from residents of the community alleging that members of the vigilante group had been molesting, intimidating, harassing and extorting innocent citizens.

According to the petition, the allegations became more prominent following an incident involving a widow, Mrs Uchechi Osunkwo, on September 2, 2026.

The group alleged that Osunkwo approached the vigilante leader after a boy identified as Saka allegedly stole N50,000 from her residence.

It further alleged that the vigilante leader demanded N20,000 from the woman before his men would be sent to invite the boy accused of stealing the money.

Describing the alleged demand as unacceptable, the human rights group accused the vigilante members of engaging in conduct it said required urgent investigation by the relevant authorities.

The organisation also claimed that complaints about alleged extortion and intimidation by members of the group had been received from other residents of the community.

Paths of Peace Initiatives urged the Imo State Government and relevant security authorities to investigate the allegations and determine whether any offences had been committed.

The group further called for appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable, including possible dismissal from the vigilante organisation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

It said such action would help protect residents and discourage similar conduct by vigilante groups operating in communities across the state.

The allegations contained in the petition have not been independently established, and the persons accused were not quoted in the petition as having responded to the claims.

The group urged the state government to treat the matter with urgency in order to protect residents who may be vulnerable to abuse or intimidation.

This version keeps the story strong enough for publication while reducing defamation risk by clearly attributing the allegations to the petition and avoiding presenting them as facts.