Suspected gunmen kill OSPAC commander, three women in Rivers

Gunmen believed to be cultists have killed the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, during a deadly attack in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, also claimed the lives of three women who were with the security commander at the time. One of the victims was reportedly his sister.

The motive behind the attack has yet to be officially confirmed, but the assailants are suspected to be members of a cult group.

OSPAC is a community-based security outfit established to support efforts in maintaining peace and tackling crime across the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The assailants reportedly attacked the vigilante commander while he was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.

It was gathered that the killing may have been a reprisal following a violent clash linked to a community dispute.

A source told our correspondent that a youth meeting had been disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.

Videos of the aftermath of the attack circulating on social media and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday showed multiple casualties, including the three women.

Residents, some believed to be relatives of the victims, were seen crying at the scene, while others carried the injured into a vehicle.

A source told our correspondent that the incident had caused panic in the area, with some residents fleeing to safer locations and business activities disrupted.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “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.”

Confirming the incident in a voice note, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked the vigilante commander while he was sitting with his sister and her friend near his residence.

Godknows said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, adding that the three women died instantly after they were hit by the attackers’ bullets.

He further said two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

He said, “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.

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

“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.”

When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the attack and expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the command strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

She said, “I can confirm the incident. The Rivers State Police Command is saddened by this incident, which has disturbed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

“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.”

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