Panic has gripped residents of Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, following the killing of the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, by suspected cultists.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening along Oba Road, also claimed the lives of three women, including the commander’s sister, while two other persons sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment.
According to sources, the gunmen stormed the area at about 5:05 p.m. and opened fire on Nwaocha while he was seated outside his residence with family members and friends. The victims were reportedly caught in the hail of bullets, with the three women dying instantly at the scene.
Preliminary reports suggest that the attack may have been a reprisal linked to an earlier violent confrontation arising from a community dispute.
A community source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, disclosed that a youth meeting had reportedly been disrupted earlier in the day after armed security operatives and OSPAC personnel allegedly invaded the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.
Videos circulating on social media after the incident showed emotional scenes as residents, believed to be relatives of the victims, wept openly while others struggled to evacuate the injured to hospital.
The killings have triggered widespread fear across Omoku, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities, while commercial activities have been severely affected.
“As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday. Many residents have also fled to neighbouring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here,” the community source said.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the commander was attacked while relaxing near his residence with his sister and a friend.
“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,” he said.
Godknows confirmed that three women died at the scene, while two other victims were rushed to hospital for treatment.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and assured them that OSPAC, in collaboration with other security agencies, was working to restore normalcy.
He also called on the Rivers State Government to provide greater support for the local security outfit.
“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.
“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.We are not paid. We have no source of income,” he stated.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, described the incident as a tragic setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
She said the command strongly condemned the killings and assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
“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.
“The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command seeks credible information from members of the public that will assist us in our ongoing investigation,” she said.
Security has since been heightened in parts of Omoku as investigations continue, while residents remain on edge following one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area in recent months.
Leave a comment