Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Rivers State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the brutal killing of a well-known event planner and Chief Executive Officer of Special Bensington Ushers, Miss Mina Orupabo, who was fatally shot by unknown gunmen in Port Harcourt.
Miss Orupabo, a celebrated figure in the state’s events industry, was initially attacked on the evening of March 19, 2026, while travelling along Odili Road. She had been on her way to inspect a venue for an upcoming job when the assailants struck. Despite being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, she sadly succumbed to her injuries on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
According to harrowing accounts from eyewitnesses, the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle in which she was travelling. Her driver and another companion reportedly managed to escape the attack unscathed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the incident had been reported by a friend of the deceased, Miss Divine Anyanwu, at the Abuloma Police Division.
“Miss Anyanwu reported that she and her friend, identified as one Special Bensington, boarded a Bolt ride from a hotel located on Emmanuel Road, off Odili Road, Port Harcourt,” the statement read.
“While en route along the Total Gospel area, off Odili Road, they were reportedly attacked by unknown armed hoodlums suspected to have trailed them from the hotel. The assailants, who were operating a tricycle, reportedly opened fire on the victims. In the course of the attack, the said victim sustained gunshot injuries. She was immediately rushed to BMH Hospital, Port Harcourt, where she was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty, on 21st March 2026 while receiving treatment.”
CSP Iringe-Koko condemned the gruesome killing in the strongest terms, confirming that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet forensic investigation.
“The Command strongly condemns this gruesome act. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet forensic investigation, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure they are brought to justice,” she added.
The remains of Miss Orupabo have since been deposited at the mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be carried out.
The police have appealed to members of the public who may have any useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Tips can be directed to the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256 or 09035774814, the PPRO via 0901 427 3818, or the Control Room on 0803 200 3514.
As friends, family, and colleagues in the events industry mourn the loss of a vibrant entrepreneur, questions continue to mount over the security situation in the state, with many calling for swift justice for the slain CEO.
