Residents of Port Harcourt have taken to social media to recount their alleged experiences with suspected members of the Vikings confraternity, following the group’s celebration of Vikings Day on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The celebration featured several activities, including the renovation of the Abuloma Police Station, which the group described as an act of “service to humanity.”
However, the gesture attracted criticism from members of the public, with the Rivers State Police Command reportedly suspending the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station.
Reacting to the group’s claim of service to humanity, several residents took to social media to recount alleged incidents involving the theft of their phones, money and other personal belongings. The comments followed a post by Stewart Ezekiel Jnr, who questioned the group’s claim, recalling an incident in which his phone was allegedly taken near a tertiary institution.
“Service To Humanity. But una been collect my phone for back gate that year,” he wrote.
Similarly, Ogbowu Charles Chigozie said his phone and school bag were allegedly taken from his department, adding humorously that the same bag was subsequently used to carry other phones allegedly collected by the perpetrators.
Another commenter, Zacchaeus Isaac Chibuekwa, said his friend had his phone and money taken near a bank.
Nwafor Prince, however, responded sarcastically to the group’s claim of service to humanity, suggesting that even if the alleged perpetrators were responsible for the incidents, the proceeds from the stolen phones could have been used to support an orphanage.
“When HOD dey advice freshers, some of una think say na entertainment,” Uranta Victor Mike wrote, recalling the warnings students receive about potential dangers around campus.
Also recounting his experience, Chima Obisike said his transport fare was allegedly taken at the Sciences car park, while an attempt was made to take his Nokia Xpress Music phone.
“Na so them collect my transport for car park that year, then bin want take my Nokia Xpress Music join, na so I tuama,” he wrote.
Karibi Fubara also recalled losing his last ₦500 at his school’s back gate, saying the incident remained painful.
“My last 500 wey dem collect, still dey pain me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Esv Auswart Stewart questioned why school back gates appeared to feature in many such unpleasant experiences, recalling an incident in Owerri in which his phone was allegedly taken.
He said the experience had a lasting impact on him, describing it as one he would never forget.
Valentine Amadi also weighed in on the discussion, urging others not to be bothered by the controversy.
The reactions have fuelled online debate over the group’s claim of service to humanity, with residents contrasting the renovation of the police station with their accounts of alleged past encounters with suspected members of the confraternity.
