The Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Organised Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Rivers State on Tuesday evening. The attack, which occurred along Oba Road in Omoku, also claimed the lives of three women, while two others sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, triggering widespread panic and prompting residents to flee the area as businesses were hastily shut down in fear of further violence.
The attack took place around 5 p.m., when Nwaocha was seated near his residence with his sister and her friend. According to Nkem Godknows, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, armed assailants approached the group and opened fire without warning. Godknows confirmed that three women died at the scene, while two survivors are being treated in a hospital for bullet wounds. He emphasized that the incident was reported to the police immediately after it occurred.
In a statement, Godknows urged residents of Omoku and the broader Onelga community to remain calm and continue with their daily activities peacefully. He also called on the Rivers State Government to provide better support to OSPAC, highlighting that members of the local security outfit are poorly paid and lack sustainable funding. This appeal underscores growing concerns over the challenges faced by community-based security groups in maintaining safety amid rising insecurity.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities have not yet identified any suspects. The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the killings as a serious setback to the relative peace the state has been enjoying. ASP Blessing Agabe, the Command’s spokesperson, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to apprehending those responsible and bringing them to justice. She also appealed to the public to come forward with any credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
This violent incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Rivers State, despite efforts by both state and community-based security agencies. As investigations continue, the community awaits answers and reassurance that such attacks will not be repeated. The killing of a local security commander and three women serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace in the region and the urgent need for stronger security measures and community protection.
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