Fear gripped residents of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, after gunmen killed a former Chief Security Officer of the council, Letam Kine, on Sunday evening.
The Punch reported that the attack occurred along Polytechnic Road in Bori, where eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire on the victim before fleeing into nearby bushes.
Although the motive remains unclear, residents suspect the attackers may be linked to cult groups.
The shooting triggered panic across the area as residents, motorists and pedestrians scrambled for safety after hearing repeated gunshots. Kine’s body was later found at the scene.
Bori, the administrative headquarters of Khana LGA, is home to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, and many students living in the community were reportedly unsettled by the incident.
A resident, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said commercial and social activities came to an abrupt halt following the attack.
“As a result of the incident, social and business activities were immediately halted, with shop owners closing hurriedly.
“As I speak with you, though activities have resumed unlike last night, people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was done by cultists.
“Policemen came, but it was too late because these bad guys (assailants) had fled the scene.”
Reacting to the killing, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act that threatens the peace of the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Communications in Khana LGA, Barry Neemana, the chairman lamented the death of the former council official and expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of violent attacks in the local government.
The statement read, “The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, 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 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 the bereaved family, Bariere reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, said officers had commenced investigations and intensified security patrols in the area.
Agabe added, “Yes, I can confirm the incident.
“Our men are there, and patrols are ongoing within the area, and the investigation is on to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.”
