Alleged cult members shot and murdered the zonal commander of a local security group known as the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee in Omoku, the capital of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, who was identified as Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, on Tuesday evening.
It was learned on Wednesday that three women, including the sister of the commander, who accompanied him during the assault, were killed by the attackers.
The attackers allegedly targeted the vigilante leader as he was unwinding outside his property with the women on Oba Road in Omoku.
The murder was thought to be a retaliation after a violent confrontation related to a neighborhood conflict.
An anonymous community source, fearing retaliation, informed our correspondent that a gathering of young people was interrupted on Tuesday when armed security forces and OSPAC members reportedly invaded the location and fired shots, injuring two youths with gunfire.
Footage of the consequences of the assault shared on social media and observed by our reporter on Wednesday revealed several victims, among them the three women.
Residents, some thought to be family members of the victims, were observed weeping at the location, while others transported the injured into a car.
The event led to chaos in the vicinity, prompting some residents to seek safer areas and disrupting business operations.
“As I converse with you, numerous businesses and markets have stayed closed since Tuesday.”
“Numerous residents have also escaped to nearby communities for safety due to fear.” “The insider mentioned there is intense panic here.”
In a voice note on Wednesday, Nkem Godknows, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, confirmed the incident, stating that the gunmen assaulted the vigilante commander while he was sitting with his sister and her friend close to his home.
Godknows stated that the event took place at approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, noting that the three women passed away immediately after being struck by the assailants’ gunfire.
He also mentioned that two additional victims suffered gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving care.
He stated, “It was approximately 5:05 p.m. Our commander was spending time with his sister and friend in his neighborhood. Before you realize it, the assailants arrived and shot him to death.
“Three women were killed on the scene, while two others are hospitalized with gunshot injuries.”
“We promptly notified the police.” I urge the people of Omoku and ONELGA as a whole to stay composed. There is no need for anyone to panic.
“Through God’s grace, OSPAC and the security forces are managing the situation.” I urge the government and security forces to assist OSPAC since we are not adequately supported.
“We do not receive compensation.” There is no source of revenue for us.
When reached on Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, verified the attack and conveyed sorrow regarding the event, characterizing it as a drawback to the relative tranquility currently present in the state.
Agabe stated that the command vehemently condemned the assault and restated its dedication to ensuring that the individuals accountable are apprehended and brought to justice.
She stated, “I can verify the occurrence.” The Rivers State Police Command is deeply concerned by this event, which has disturbed the relative tranquility the state is experiencing.
The command denounces this action in full and guarantees that those responsible will face justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command requests reliable information from the public to aid us in our current investigation.”
