Gunmen Kill Vigilante Commander, Three Women In Rivers Community
Gunmen have shot dead the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, along with three women in a deadly attack that has heightened tension in Omoku, Rivers State.
The attack occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, sending residents into panic as many fled the area while traders hurriedly shut their businesses.
According to the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC, Comrade Nkem Godknows, the assailants struck shortly after 5 p.m. while Nwaocha was relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence.
Godknows said the gunmen opened fire on the group, killing the vigilante commander instantly. Three women also died at the scene, while two other persons sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
He said, "The incident happened a few minutes past 5 p.m. Our commander was with his sister and her friend, seated around his neighbourhood, when the unknown gunmen approached and shot him dead.
"They also shot the girls. The three women died on the spot, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The police were immediately informed, and we reported the incident without delay."
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that OSPAC, working with other security agencies, would intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
Godknows also lamented the welfare condition of members of the local security outfit, saying they receive little support despite the risks associated with their duties.
"We are not adequately taken care of. We are not paid, and we have no reliable source of income. We have little or no support or encouragement. I am calling on the general public to support OSPAC," he added.
Although calm has since returned to Omoku, security personnel have continued patrols across the community to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command condemned the killings and vowed to ensure those behind the attack are tracked down and prosecuted.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, described the attack as unfortunate and urged residents with useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.
"The Rivers State Command is saddened by this incident, which is disturbing the relative peace being enjoyed in the state. The command condemns this act entirely and reiterates that the perpetrators will be brought to justice," Agabe said.