Panic as gunmen attack OSPAC office in Rivers, kill 1

Panic engulfed Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night following a deadly gunmen attack on the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) office, which resulted in the death of a State Intelligence Service (SIS) officer.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. near the council secretariat, sparking chaos as heavy gunfire echoed through the area. Residents fled in different directions, fearing for their lives as the assailants unleashed a wave of violence.

The fallen officer, identified as Corporal Friday Francis, was a member of the Special Intervention Squad. He was reportedly caught in the crossfire and fatally shot near the perimeter fence of the local government secretariat.

The unidentified assailants reportedly escaped before security operatives could respond. While no group has claimed responsibility, security sources suspect the attack may be connected to ongoing cult clashes that have troubled the area in recent times.

Following the incident, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene on Tuesday morning, condemning the killing and directing his officers to intensify their search for those responsible.

He described the attack as a direct assault on the peace of the community and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.

“This is not just an attack on security, but on the safety of the entire community,” the CP said, urging officers to dismantle the criminal networks fueling cult-related violence in the area. He appealed to residents with useful information about the assailants to come forward and assist the police.

The Rivers State Police Command has since increased patrols and surveillance around the Ahoada axis, while investigations into the incident continue.