Tragic Attack in Rivers State: Vigilante Member Killed, Ex-Councilor’s House Set Ablaze
A violent incident in Rivers State has left a vigilante member dead, several people injured, and the home of a former councilor destroyed. Local authorities have launched an investigation as community tensions continue to rise.
Fatal Shooting and Arson in Emohua Local Government Area
On Wednesday, gunmen attacked the community of Obele in Emohua Local Government Area, killing a member of the local vigilante group. Reports indicate that the deceased was a member of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area Peace and Advisory Committee. The assailants, suspected to be cultists, also set fire to the home of a former councillor. Four people sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police, confirmed the incident, noting that an investigation is underway. “Yes, I can confirm that one person was killed and a house destroyed,” Iringe-Koko stated. However, she added that detailed information on the four injured individuals was not yet available.
Survivor’s Account of the Attack
One of the survivors, identified only as Eze, recounted the harrowing experience. According to Eze, he and his brother narrowly escaped when gunmen approached their home, accusing them of collaborating with security agencies.
“We heard the sounds of motorcycles and gunfire. When I looked, I saw men working for a known individual, ‘Naked,’ armed with guns. I immediately told my brother to run,” Eze shared. During the escape, the gunmen fired at them, and Eze has been unable to locate his brother since the attack. “We’ve been calling around, but no one has seen him,” he said.
Former Councilor's Home Set on Fire
In addition to the assault on vigilante members, the attackers targeted the residence of former councilor Chigozie Woka. Mr. Woka, who hails from Obele, accused the individual known as ‘Naked’ of orchestrating the attack due to Woka’s perceived cooperation with security forces. According to Mr. Woka, “Naked” and several members of the local peace committee allegedly raided his home, leaving it in ruins.
“He’s not even from Obele; he comes here to seek refuge,” Mr. Woka explained. “He accused me of working with security agencies and retaliated by destroying my property.”
Rising Tensions: Differing Accounts from Community Leaders
While Mr. Woka accuses ‘Naked’ of instigating violence, Achor Egberuwho, the acting youth chairperson of Omuobu in Ibaa, defended ‘Naked’ and placed the blame on the former councilor. Egberuwho asserted that ‘Naked,’ a member of the peace and advisory committee, was not involved in the shootings and claimed that Woka himself had mobilized cultists to attack ‘Naked.’
“It’s laughable that Chigozie Woka would stoop so low. He led a group to attack ‘Naked.’ If not for the grace of God, ‘Naked’ would have been killed,” Egberuwho stated.
Ongoing Investigation by the Police
The Rivers State Police have assured the public of a thorough investigation into the tragic events in Obele. They aim to uncover the motives behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice as tensions continue to unsettle the community.
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