Tragedy struck in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, on Tuesday evening after suspected cultists gunned down the zonal commander of a local security outfit and three women.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that the victims include Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee, his sister, and two other women who were with him at the time of the attack.
According to community sources, the assailants struck while Nwaocha was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack may have been a reprisal following an earlier clash. The source alleged that a youth meeting was disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.
Videos from the scene circulating on social media and seen by our correspondent showed multiple bodies, including those of the three women. Some residents, believed to be relatives, were seen weeping, while others helped the injured into vehicles.
The attack has sparked panic in the area.
“As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday. Many residents have also fled to neighbouring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here,” the source said.
Confirming the incident in a voice note on Wednesday, Rivers State OSPAC Public Relations Officer, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen opened fire on the commander around 5:05 p.m. while he was with his sister and her friend near his home.
“It was about 5:05 p.m. Our commander was hanging out with his sister and friend around his neighbourhood. Before you know it, the gunmen got there and shot him dead,” Godknows stated.
He added that three women died on the spot, while two other persons sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment in hospital.
“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 on top of the matter,” he said.
Godknows also appealed to the government for support, saying OSPAC operatives are not paid and lack proper welfare.
“I also appeal to the government and the security personnel to come to the aid of OSPAC because we are not properly taken care of. We are not paid. We have no source of income,” he added.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the attack. Spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, described it as a setback to the relative peace in the state.
“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,” Agabe said.
“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.”
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