Suspected cultists have shot dead 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 Omoku, Rivers State.
It was gathered that the slain vigilante commander was relaxing near his residence with his sister and her friend when the assailants struck, opening fire on the group before fleeing the scene.
The incident, which occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, reportedly threw the community into panic as residents fled for safety while traders hurriedly closed their businesses over fears of further violence.
Residents expressed concern that the killing could signal a resurgence of violent attacks in the community, recalling the period of widespread insecurity before the establishment of OSPAC. They also noted that several members of the local vigilante outfit had been killed in recent times.
Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Comrade Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen shot the commander at close range while he was seated with his sister and her friend.
According to him, three women died at the scene, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
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He urged residents of Omoku to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that OSPAC, working with other security agencies, would ensure those responsible are identified.
Godknows also appealed to the Rivers State Government and public-spirited individuals to provide greater support for OSPAC, lamenting that members of the security outfit operate under difficult conditions without adequate funding, salaries or logistics.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, condemned the killings, describing the attack as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
She assured residents that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted, while appealing to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
