Gunmen Kill OSPAC Commander, Three Women in Rivers Community

Gunmen have killed the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, and three women in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Monday evening along Oba Road in Omoku, throwing residents into panic and forcing some business owners to hurriedly shut their shops as fear spread across the community.

According to the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC, Comrade Nkem Godknows, Nwaocha was relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence when the assailants approached and opened fire.

Godknows said the gunmen also shot three women, who died at the scene, while two other victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

“The incident happened a few minutes past 5 p.m. Our commander was with his sister and her friend, seated around his neighbourhood, when the unknown gunmen approached and shot him dead.

“They also shot the girls. The three women died on the spot, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The police were immediately informed, and we reported the incident without delay,” he said.

The attack has heightened security concerns in Omoku, although normalcy has reportedly returned to the area, with security operatives carrying out patrols to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

Godknows appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that OSPAC, working with other security agencies, would assist efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

He also used the opportunity to call for increased support for members of the vigilante organisation, claiming that the group operates without adequate welfare or financial assistance.

“We are not adequately taken care of. We are not paid, and we have no reliable source of income. We have little or no support or encouragement. I am calling on the general public to support OSPAC,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has condemned the attack and promised to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, described the incident as disturbing and appealed to residents to provide information that could assist investigators.

“The Rivers State Command is saddened by this incident, which is disturbing the relative peace being enjoyed in the state. The command condemns this act entirely and reiterates that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” she said.

The motive for the attack was not immediately established, while the identities of the gunmen remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Police investigations are ongoing.