Unidentified gunmen have killed the leader of a local vigilante group and three women in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The attack occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road in Omoku and claimed the life of Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, the Omoku Zonal Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
According to sources, the incident sparked panic across the community, forcing many residents to flee for safety while business owners hurriedly shut their shops.
The Public Relations Officer of OSPAC, Comrade Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked Nwaocha while he was relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence.
He explained that the assailants also opened fire on the women, killing three of them at the scene, while two other victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“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 said.
Godknows appealed to residents of Omoku to remain calm, assuring them that OSPAC, in collaboration with other security agencies, would work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He also called for greater support for members of OSPAC, lamenting the group’s poor welfare and lack of financial assistance.
“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 said.
Normalcy has since returned to the area, with security personnel conducting patrols to maintain law and order.
Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command condemned the attack and assured residents that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
“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,”she said.
