Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
OMOKU, Rivers — A deadly clash in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, has left four persons dead and one injured, prompting the Rivers State Police Command to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 20, 2026, involved the killing of the Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, and three other persons, while one Obidi Emenike sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment, according to the Command.
Tension Over PIA and Community Funds
A community source disclosed that tension in Omoku began last week over a disagreement involving the Petroleum Industry Act, the operations of Oando Company, and alleged mismanagement of community funds by the traditional ruler of Ogbaland.
The development, according to the source, prompted some youths to challenge the monarch and his chiefs.
During a meeting of the youths, it was alleged that some security personnel and members of OSPAC stormed the venue and opened fire, with two youths reportedly hit in that initial attack.
Reprisal Attack Claims Lives
In what was described as a reprisal, yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Monday evening killed the Omoku Zonal Commander of OSPAC and three women along Oba Road in Omoku Town. Some chiefs loyal to the traditional ruler were also reportedly attacked.
The violence threw the community into panic as residents fled for safety, while business owners hurriedly shut their shops. The attacks also extended to beer parlours and private homes, leaving several others critically injured. Markets and business places were forced to close.
An eyewitness, in a distress message, said: “I was in Omoku earlier today, but my family and I had to run for our safety and we have just arrived Obrikom, a neighbouring community. Getting transport out of Omoku today was very difficult. Please remember us and everyone at Omoku in your prayers.”
A video accompanying the message showed some people lying dead in pools of their own blood.
OSPAC Confirms Attack
The Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Comrade Nkem Godknows, confirmed that the gunmen attacked the Commander while he was with his sister and her friend near his residence.
“The incident happened a few minutes past 5pm. Our commander was with his sister and her friend, seated around his neighbourhood, when unknown gunmen approached and shot him dead,” he said.
“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.”
Comrade Godknows appealed to residents to remain calm, saying: “My appeal to the people of Omoku is to remain calm, be peaceful, and continue with their normal daily activities. Nobody should panic. By the grace of God, OSPAC, alongside other security agencies, will get to the root of this matter.”
He also called on government and well-meaning individuals to support OSPAC, revealing that the group lacks adequate funding.
“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 added.
Police Condemn Attack, Launch Manhunt
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, condemned the attack as “unfortunate, disturbing and a threat to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Rivers State.”
“The Rivers State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack that occurred in Omoku, which claimed the lives of one OSPAC official and three other persons, while one Obidi Emenike ‘M’ sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.
“The Command condemns this heinous act in its entirety and assures the public that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.”
CP Adepoju further directed all community-based security groups and local vigilante outfits in the state to work in close collaboration with the Police under the supervision of their respective Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders.
“The collaboration is essential to ensure proper coordination, enhance operational effectiveness and prevent members of such groups from becoming targets of criminal elements while carrying out their lawful responsibilities,” he said.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information to aid investigations, assuring that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
ASP Agabe reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to security, stating: “The Rivers State Police Command is committed to protecting lives and properties, and will not relent in its efforts to rid the State of criminal elements.”
The PPRO added that normalcy has returned to Omoku, with combined teams of security operatives conducting intensive visibility patrols to maintain law and order.
