Four killed as gunmen ambush Rivers vigilante

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Suspected cultists shot and killed the zonal commander of a local security outfit codenamed the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, identified as Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, on Tuesday evening.

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PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday that three women, including the commander’s sister, who were with him during the attack, were shot dead by the suspects.

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The assailants reportedly attacked the vigilante commander while he was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.

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It was suspected that the killing might have been a reprisal following a violent clash linked to a community dispute.

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A source in the community who craved anonymity for fear of attack told our correspondent that a youth meeting had been disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.

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Videos of the aftermath of the attack circulating on social media and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday showed multiple casualties, including the three women.

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Residents, some believed to be relatives of the victims, were seen crying at the scene, while others carried the injured into a vehicle.

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The incident, the source told PUNCH Metro, had caused panic in the area, with some residents fleeing to safer locations and business activities disrupted.

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“As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday.

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“Many residents have also fled to neighbouring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here,” the insider said.

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Confirming the incident in a voice note on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked the vigilante commander while he was sitting with his sister and her friend near his residence.

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Godknows said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, adding that the three women died instantly after they were hit by the attackers’ bullets.

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He further said two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

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He said, “It was about 5:05 p.m. Our commander was hanging out with his sister and friend around his neighbourhood. Before you know it, the gunmen got there and shot him dead.

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“There were three women who died on the spot, while two others are in the hospital with bullet wounds.

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“We reported to the police immediately. My call to the people of Omoku and ONELGA in general is that they should remain calm. Nobody should panic.

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“By God’s grace, OSPAC and the security agencies are on top of the matter. I also appeal to the government and the security personnel to come to the aid of OSPAC because we are not properly taken care of.

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“We are not paid. We have no source of income.”

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When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the attack and expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

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Agabe said the command strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

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She said, “I can confirm the incident. The Rivers State Police Command is saddened by this incident, which has disrupted the relative peace the state is enjoying.

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“The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

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“The Rivers State Police Command seeks credible information from members of the public that will assist us in our ongoing investigation.”

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