Gunmen suspected to be cultists shot and killed the zonal commander of a local security outfit codenamed the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, identified as Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, on Tuesday evening.
Chronicle NG gathered on Wednesday that three women, including the commander’s sister, who were with him during the attack, were shot dead by the suspects.
The gunmen reportedly attacked the vigilante commander while he was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.
It was gathered that the killing might have been a reprisal following a violent clash linked to a community dispute.
A community source, who requested anonymity for fear of being attacked, told our correspondent that a youth gathering had been disrupted earlier on Tuesday when armed security agents and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the site and opened fire, injuring two youngsters.
Videos of the aftermath of the attack that circulated on social media and were seen by our correspondent on Wednesday revealed numerous casualties, including the three women.
Residents, some of whom appeared to be relatives of the victims, were seen wailing at the scene, as others loaded the injured into a vehicle.
The incident, the source said, caused panic in the area, with some residents fleeing to safer locations and business activities disrupted.
“As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday.
“Many residents have also fled to neighboring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here,” the insider said.
Nkem Godknows, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, confirmed the event in a voicemail on Wednesday. He said the gunmen targeted the vigilante leader while he was seated with his sister and her companion close to his home.
According to Godknows, the three women perished quickly after being struck by the attackers’ gunfire on Tuesday at around five o’clock in the evening.
He said, “It was about 5:05 p.m. Our commander was hanging out with his sister and friend around his neighborhood. Before you know it, the gunmen got there and shot him dead.
“There were three women who died on the spot, while two others are in the hospital with bullet wounds.
“We reported to the police immediately. My call to the people of Omoku and ONELGA in general is that they should remain calm. Nobody should panic.
“By God’s grace, OSPAC and the security agencies are actively addressing the situation. I also appeal to the government and the security personnel to come to the aid of OSPAC because we are not receiving adequate support. I also urge the government and security personnel to assist OSPAC, as we are not receiving adequate support.
“We are not paid. We have no source of income.”
Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the attack when called on Wednesday afternoon. He also expressed grief over the occurrence, characterizing it as a setback to the state’s relative peace.
Agabe stated that the leadership vehemently denounced the assault and reaffirmed its determination to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
She said, “I can confirm the incident. The Rivers State Police Command is saddened by this incident, which has disrupted the relative peace the state is enjoying.
“The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command seeks credible information from members of the public that will assist us in our ongoing investigation.”
