Vigilante Commander and Three Women Killed in Rivers State Attack
Osomela Stephen Nwaocha, the Area Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning Advisory Committee, was fatally shot by suspected cultists on Tuesday night in Omoku, Rivers State. The local report indicates that three women, including Nwaocha’s sister, were also killed during the assault.
Details of the Attack Emerge
The attack took place as Nwaocha was relaxing outside his residence on Oba Road along with several women. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the killings may be linked to ongoing communal conflicts, potentially acting as retaliation following recent violent clashes in the area.
Violence Erupts During Youth Rally
A community source, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, indicated that earlier in the day a youth rally was violently interrupted by armed members of OSPAC and security forces, resulting in two individuals sustaining gunshot wounds. This indicates a concerning trend of escalating violence in the local community.
Aftermath and Community Response
Footage of the scene that circulated on social media revealed a chaotic aftermath, with multiple casualties evident, including the slain women. Relatives of the victims were observed mourning the tragedy, while some residents assisted the injured in reaching medical care.
Panic Grips the Community
The attack has led to heightened fear among residents, prompting many to vacate the area and halting local business operations. A local insider reported, “Since Tuesday, numerous businesses and markets have closed, and many residents have fled to neighboring communities seeking safety.” The atmosphere remains tense as the community grapples with the shock of the incident.
OSPAC Addresses Incident
Nkem Godknows, the Public Relations Officer for OSPAC in Rivers State, confirmed the incident, specifying that the attack occurred around 5 PM on Tuesday. He stated that the three women died instantly from the gunfire, and two others were taken to a hospital for treatment. Godknows urged the public to remain calm and not panic, while emphasizing the pressing need for governmental support for OSPAC, which faces operational challenges without adequate funding.
Police Response and Commitment to Justice
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, acknowledged the distressing nature of the attack, labeling it a setback to the relative peace that had been maintained in the region. Agabe condemned the violence and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, urging the community to provide any reliable information to aid the investigation.
