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Police Confirms Killing Of Vigilante Commander, 3 Women In Rivers
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing and of a commander of ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state, Ozoemela Stephen Wokocha and three other women.
OSPAC is the local security outfit assisting conventional security forces in maintaining peace in the area and communities in other local government areas of the state.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident occured along the old palace road in the Omoku, headquarters of the local government area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the development in a short message service (SMS) sent to journalists in Port Harcourt.
“The Rivers State Command is saddened by this incident, disturbing the relative peace being enjoy by the command, the command condemns this act entirety and retrate that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command seeks tangible information from the members of the public that will assist us in our investigation,” Agabe said.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but locals say the killing of the OSPAC Commander could signal the resurgence of violent and indiscriminate killings which plaqued the area few years before the introduction of the local security outfit.the statement reads in part
Our correspondent could recall the Commandant-General of OSPAC, Emeka Onyeocha had raised serious concerns over the welfare of the officers including poor funding and other unresolved issues.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.
ADC in a statement by it Publicity Secretary, Chizzy Enyi said the incident is another painful reminder of the worsening security challenges confronting Rivers State.
The ADC said it is particularly disappointed by what it considers to be the inadequate response of the Chairman of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council to the horrific tragedy.
“At a time when the people expected visible leadership, compassion and urgency, the response fell far short of what the situation demanded. Leadership is not only about occupying public office; it is about standing with the people in their darkest moments. In times of tragedy, public officials must demonstrate empathy, provide reassurance, and identify with grieving communities. The people of ONELGA deserved to see leadership that reflected the gravity of this heartbreaking incident, ” the statement read.
The party said it cannot remain silent while residents of ONELGA continue to live under the shadow of violent attacks and growing insecurity, adding that the recurring incidents of violence in the area demand urgent and coordinated action from all relevant authorities.
ADC called for a thorough investigation into the attack.
”We therefore call on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to immediately launch a thorough, professional and transparent investigation into this horrific crime and deploy all necessary resources to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
”This case must not become another unresolved crime. Every individual found to have participated in, facilitated or aided this criminal act must be brought before the law to answer for their actions. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, ” the party said.
”We also call for increased security patrols, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence in the safety of lives and property, ” it added.
The party extended its sympathy to the ONELGA people, saying,”The ADC stands firmly with the people of Omoku and ONELGA and will continue to advocate for justice, security and responsible governance across Rivers State. “
