Tension In Rivers As Gunmen Kill OSPAC Commander, Others In Deadly Attack

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have reportedly killed the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, along with three women during an attack in Rivers State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The assailants reportedly opened fire on the vigilante commander while he was seated outside his residence with his sister and another woman.

The attack sparked panic across the community, forcing many residents to flee while traders hurriedly shut their businesses over fears of further violence.

Reports indicate that Nwaocha and three women died during the attack, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, no individual or group had claimed responsibility for the killings.

According to Daily Trust, the incident occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

Residents expressed concern that the latest killings could signal a resurgence of the violent attacks and cult-related clashes that plagued the area before the establishment of OSPAC.

Some community members also noted that several members of the local security outfit have been killed in recent months, raising fears of a return to the period commonly referred to as the “Don Wanie” era, which was marked by widespread violence and cult activities.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Comrade Nkem Godknows, said the commander was attacked shortly after 5 p.m. while spending time with his sister and her friend near his home.

“The incident happened a few minutes after 5 p.m. Our commander was sitting with his sister and her friend when unknown gunmen arrived and shot him dead. Three women lost their lives instantly, while two other victims sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. We immediately informed the police about the incident,” he said.

Godknows appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid any actions that could worsen the security situation.

He assured the community that OSPAC would continue working with security agencies to identify those responsible for the attack.

“I urge the people of Omoku not to panic but to go about their lawful activities peacefully. By God’s grace, OSPAC and other security agencies will uncover those behind this attack,” he added.

The OSPAC spokesman also appealed to the Rivers State Government and members of the public to provide greater support for the local security outfit, saying many of its operatives work under difficult conditions with little or no financial assistance.

“Our members are not adequately catered for. Many are unpaid and have no dependable source of income despite the risks they take protecting their communities. We need more support from the government and well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.

The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the incident and condemned the killings.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, described the attack as a disturbing development that had disrupted the relative peace previously enjoyed in the state.

She assured residents that efforts were underway to track down those responsible.

“The Rivers State Police Command strongly condemns this incident, which has disrupted the relative peace in the state. We are committed to ensuring that those behind this crime are identified and brought to justice,” Kaborlo said.

She also appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist the police investigation.

“We urge anyone with credible information that could aid our investigation to come forward and cooperate with the command,” she added.