HOW ATEKE ICELANDER TOOK OVER PORT HARCOURT
In October 2000, Port Harcourt was about to enter one of the most dangerous periods in its history.
What began as a struggle for influence within the confraternity world would soon explode into a bloody battle for territory, power, and control across Rivers State.
It all started with a bold move by the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
The group wanted to expand its influence across Rivers State, so it created a new and more aggressive wing known as the Supreme Iceland Confraternity — the Icelanders.
And to lead this new group as its Anchorhead, they chose a man named Ateke Tom.
But there was one problem.
Ateke was not the most senior man in the system.
Several veterans who had been around since the early 1990s believed they had earned the right to occupy such a powerful position. To them, Ateke’s sudden elevation was not just unexpected — it was an insult.
And they refused to accept it.
Instead of remaining under the new leadership, some of these senior figures broke away and established their own groups.
Onyegwu formed the Onyegwu Marines.
Julius created the Greenlanders.
And Tekena established the Redlanders.
Port Harcourt was no longer dealing with one organized group.
It was becoming a battlefield divided among rival factions.
And as these groups competed for territory and influence, violence began spreading through the city.
Inside the Icelanders’ camp, Ateke Tom reportedly understood the danger.
His rivals were older, more experienced, and already had their own networks.
According to accounts of the conflict, Ateke was initially uncertain about confronting them.
But one of his most trusted men, Soboma George, reportedly encouraged him to stand his ground.
And Ateke did exactly that.
The Icelanders declared war on their rivals, including the Greenlanders and Onyegwu Marines.
Then came one of the most shocking moments of the conflict.
The Icelanders reportedly attacked the Redlanders and invaded the home of their leader, Tekena.
According to accounts of the incident, Tekena was killed and allegedly beheaded inside his own residence.
The killing sent shockwaves through the rival factions.
Julius, leader of the Greenlanders, reportedly fled Ogbakiri and headed straight to Port Harcourt.
But he wasn’t running there to hide.
He was going to seek help from one of the most powerful armed figures in the region — Asari Dokubo.
Asari reportedly became involved in the conflict, bringing considerable firepower against Ateke and the Icelanders.
The pressure became overwhelming.
Ateke and his men were pushed out of Port Harcourt and forced to retreat toward Okrika.
For the Icelanders, it was a humiliating defeat.
Ateke returned to his hometown of Okochiri in Okrika and reportedly explained what had happened to his influential backers.
But instead of ordering him to surrender, they allegedly gave him more ammunition and told him to reorganize.
And that was when Ateke changed his strategy. Continue reading on the comment section 👇