Gunmen Kill Vigilante Commander, Three Women in Rivers

Gunmen suspected 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, along with three women in Omoku, Rivers State. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening while the commander was sitting outside his residence with the women.

According to OSPAC's Public Relations Officer, Nkem Godknows, the assailants opened fire around 5 p.m., killing the commander, his sister, and two other women at the scene. Two additional victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Sources in the community suggested the attack may have been a reprisal linked to a local dispute. Earlier that day, a youth meeting was reportedly disrupted after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue, leaving two youths injured by gunfire.

The killings have triggered panic across Omoku, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring communities and businesses and markets shutting down over fears of further violence. OSPAC has urged residents to remain calm while security agencies investigate the incident.