Violent Cult Attack Claims Lives of Youth Leader and Aide in Rivers State
A horrifying incident of cult-related violence has rocked the community of Omoku in Rivers State, resulting in the brutal deaths of a prominent youth leader and his personal aide. The attack, which occurred on Friday afternoon, February 6, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the region and raised serious concerns about security in the area.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, gunmen suspected to be cultists targeted Ifeanyi Azuazu, the President of the Omoku Youth Federation, and his aide Chigozie Oluwu. The assailants, numbering approximately seven individuals, reportedly stormed a popular drinking joint located along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road in Omoku. The attackers arrived in two vehicles and immediately confronted the youth leader.
The gunmen pointed a firearm at Azuazu and forcibly ordered him to enter one of their vehicles. In a desperate attempt to protect his boss, aide Chigozie Oluwu intervened and was shot dead on the spot. Oluwu served as the personal guard to the youth president and paid the ultimate price for his loyalty.
Brutal Aftermath and Discovery
Following the abduction, the situation took an even more gruesome turn. Hours after the initial attack, the lifeless body of Ifeanyi Azuazu was discovered in a nearby forest. Tragically, the youth leader had been beheaded, with his headless body dumped in the wooded area. The discovery confirmed the worst fears of community members who had been searching for the missing leader.
Godnews Nkem, spokesperson for the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC), provided additional details about the incident. He clarified that Oluwu was actually shot dead at the youth president's residence, indicating the violence may have spanned multiple locations within the community.
Police Response and Investigation
The Rivers State Police Command has officially confirmed the killings and attributed them to cult-related activities. Police Public Relations Officer CSP Grace Iringe-Koko stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident.
The police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and are working to determine the specific motives behind the targeted attack. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about cult violence in the region and the need for enhanced security measures.
Community Impact and Security Concerns
The violent attack has created widespread panic in Omoku, with residents fleeing in different directions for safety following the incident. The community, located in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has been left traumatized by the brutality of the killings.
This incident follows a pattern of security challenges in the region, including a recent assassination attempt on a prominent Rivers monarch in Khana LGA. Local government authorities, police forces, and community advocacy groups have consistently condemned such attacks and called for improved security measures and justice for victims.
The tragic deaths of Ifeanyi Azuazu and Chigozie Oluwu serve as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing communities in Rivers State and the urgent need for effective interventions to combat cult-related violence and protect community leaders.
