Suspected cultists on Tuesday evening shot dead the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee, Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, during an attack in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Punch reported that three women, including the commander’s sister, who were with him at the time of the attack, were also killed by the gunmen.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the OSPAC commander while he was relaxing outside his residence with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.
The attack is suspected to be a reprisal linked to a community dispute that had earlier turned violent.
A community source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told our correspondent that a youth meeting was disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.
Videos from the scene, which circulated on social media and were seen by our correspondent on Wednesday, showed several casualties, including the three women.
The footage also captured grieving residents, believed to be relatives of the victims, while others rushed the injured into a waiting vehicle.
The killings have thrown the community into panic, with many residents reportedly fleeing to neighbouring communities and commercial activities brought to a halt.
“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 insider said.
Confirming the incident in a voice note on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked the commander while he was seated with his sister and her friend near his residence.
He disclosed that the attack occurred at about 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, adding that the three women died on the spot, while two other persons sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.
He said, “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.
“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 on top of the matter. 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.”
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, also confirmed the attack on Wednesday, describing the incident as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
Agabe said the command condemned the killings and assured residents that those behind the attack would be tracked down and prosecuted.
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.”
