Gunmen killed Letam Kine, a former Chief Security Officer of Bori, the headquarters of the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday evening.
The incident happened on Polytechnic Road in Bori, and people suspected the assailants were cult members.
According to reports, the gunmen opened fire on the victim before retreating into the adjacent bushes.
According to an eyewitness, the incident sparked panic in the area, with locals and passers-by fleeing for safety after hearing gunshots before the victim’s lifeless body was located.
Bori is home to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, named for the late playwright and environmental campaigner Ken Saro-Wiwa, with students from the institution making a substantial contribution to the Ogoni population.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated, “As a result of the incident, social and business activities were instantly suspended, with shop owners rapidly closing their operations.
“As I speak with you, activities have resumed, unlike last night, but people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was carried out by cultists.
“Policemen came, but it was too late because the assailants had fled the scene.”
In response to the tragedy, Dr. Thomas Bariere, chairman of Khana Local Government Area, condemned the killing as a senseless act of violence.
Bariere, in a statement made on Sunday by Khana LGA’s Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, termed Kine’s death as devastating and emphasized that such criminality has no place in a law-abiding society.
He expressed alarm that the crime occurred just weeks after a similar homicide in a nearby town and that the repeated attacks indicated the presence of armed criminal gangs seeking to undermine Khana’s peace and security.
The statement read, “The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Thomas Bariere, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mr. Letam Kine, also known as Langa, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.
“He expressed deep concern that the killing comes barely weeks after the tragic murder of Mr. Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, noting that the repeated attacks point to the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.
“Dr. Bariere called on all security agencies to intensify their operations across the local government area and ensure that those behind these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
“He urged law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the murder of Mr. Letam Kine, arrest everyone connected to the crime, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
While condoling with Kine’s family, the council chairman reaffirmed his administration’s unshakeable commitment to ensure that justice is served and that all lawful measures are taken to protect the lives of Khana residents.
When reached on Monday, Blessing Agabe, spokeswoman for the Rivers State Police Command, verified the event and stated that the deceased’s body had been put in a morgue.
Agabe, a superintendent of police, also stated, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. Our men are there, patrols are ongoing in the area, and an investigation is underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.”
