Attack on Vigilante Leader in Omoku
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Ozemela Nwaocha, the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Security Planning and Advisory Committee, by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred near Nwaocha's residence in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Police spokeswoman Blessing Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police, disclosed the details to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. According to her, preliminary investigations revealed that the gunmen confronted the vigilante leader and opened fire on him and three women who were with him.
Police Condemn Act, Vow Justice
“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of this unfortunate incident and is deeply saddened by it. The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Agabe said. She stated that the command had launched an investigation and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information to assist the probe.
Gestapo-Style Attack
Also speaking, the security committee spokesman, Nkem Godknows, said the attack occurred on Tuesday evening. He explained that the gunmen carried out the attack in a Gestapo-style operation while Nwaocha was with his sister and two other women. Godknows alleged that the attackers shot the commander multiple times before turning their weapons on the others.
“The gunmen also killed Nwaocha’s sister and two other women. Two other persons within the premises sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said.
Call for Support and Normalcy Restored
Godknows stated that the incident was promptly reported to the police and expressed confidence that those responsible would be apprehended. He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that security agencies and local vigilante groups were working to sustain peace and security in the area. The security committee spokesman also appealed to the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to support the vigilante organisation.
“We are not adequately catered for and receive little or no encouragement to perform our duties. We are not paid, and most of us do not have reliable sources of income. We appeal for support to enable us to carry out our responsibilities more effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, normalcy has reportedly returned to the area, with combined security teams conducting intensive patrols to maintain law and order.
