‎Tension as Gunmen Kill Rivers Vigilante Commander, 3 Women in Omoku Attack

‎Unknown gunmen have killed the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, alongside three women in Omoku, Rivers State.

‎The attack occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road, Omoku, the headquarters of ONELGA, throwing residents into panic as many businesses shut down while people hurriedly moved to safer locations.

According to the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC, Comrade Nkem Godknows, the assailants attacked Nwaocha while he was relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence.

‎He said the gunmen also opened fire on three women during the attack, killing them instantly, while two other persons sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

‎“The incident happened a few minutes past 5 p.m. Our commander was with his sister and her friend 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 injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” Godknows said.

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He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that OSPAC, in collaboration with security agencies, would work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

‎Godknows also called for improved welfare support for members of the vigilante group, noting that the organisation operates without adequate financial assistance.

‎“We are not adequately taken care of. We are not paid, and we have no reliable source of income. We need more support and encouragement from the public,” he added.

‎Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to restore confidence and maintain peace following the attack.

‎The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the killings, pledging to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

‎Vanguard report that the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Assistant Superintendent Blessing Agabe, described the incident as disturbing and urged residents to provide relevant information that could assist investigators.

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‎“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,” Agabe said.