Gunmen kill commander of local security outfit in Rivers

The Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Organised Security Planning and Advisory Committee, OSPAC, Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Rivers State.

Nwaocha was killed alongside three women during an attack on Tuesday evening along Oba Road in Omoku, while two other persons sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The incident sparked panic across the community as frightened residents fled the area, while business owners hurriedly shut down their shops over fears of further violence.

Speaking in an interview, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the assailants attacked the commander while he was seated near his residence with his sister and her friend.

He said the attack occurred at about 5 p.m.

Godknows also confirmed that three women struck by bullets died at the scene, while two other victims survived with gunshot injuries.

He said, “Just yesterday, about 5 minutes past 5, our commander was hanging out with his sisters and friend around his neighborhood, before unknown gunmen walked up to him and shot him dead.

“There are three women that died at the spot while two are in the hospital with bullet wounds.

“We reported it to the police immediately.”

Appealing for calm, he said, “My call to the people of Omoku and the people of Onelga at large is that they should remain calm. They should be peaceful and go about their normal business.”

Godknows also urged the Rivers State Government to support OSPAC, lamenting that members of the local security outfit are poorly remunerated and lack a sustainable source of funding.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command described the killings as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the police strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

She also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.