The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, and three other persons in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
Nwaocha was attacked on Tuesday evening by unidentified gunmen while relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence in Omoku town.
The attack reportedly caused panic across the community, forcing some businesses and markets to close as residents fled to nearby Obrikom over fears of possible reprisals and further violence.
Rivers State OSPAC Public Relations Officer, Nkem Godknows, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen also killed three women who were struck by bullets during the attack.
He disclosed that two other victims sustained gunshot injuries and were receiving medical attention at a hospital.
According to him, the incident occurred shortly after 5pm when the assailants approached the area where the OSPAC commander was seated with his sister and her friend before opening fire.
Godknows appealed for calm among residents, assuring that security agencies were working to uncover the identities of the attackers and bring them to justice.
He also called for greater support for OSPAC members, lamenting that many vigilante personnel operate without adequate welfare, financial assistance or reliable sources of income despite their role in supporting community security.
The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed that four people died in the attack, while one injured victim was undergoing treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
The Command said an investigation had commenced to identify and arrest those behind the killings.
Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, described the attack as unfortunate and disturbing, warning that such acts pose a threat to the peace being enjoyed in the state.
Adepoju condemned the killings and assured residents that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted.
He urged community-based security groups and local vigilante organisations across Rivers State to strengthen cooperation with the police through their respective Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders.
The police commissioner said closer collaboration between security agencies and community groups was necessary to improve coordination, strengthen operations and protect members of local security outfits from becoming targets of criminals.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations into the attack.
