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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Gunmen attack Rivers vigilante office, injure personnel

From The Punch · (9h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Gunmen attacked the head office of a local security outfit, OSPAC, in Omoku, Rivers State, injuring one personnel.
  • The incident occurred on Saturday evening, causing panic among residents, with assailants arriving in two vehicles and firing indiscriminately.
  • The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

An attack on the OSPAC office in Omoku, Rivers State, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The brazenness of the assault, which occurred in the evening and involved indiscriminate shooting, underscores the audacity of criminal elements operating in the region. The injury sustained by one OSPAC personnel is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those dedicated to maintaining local security.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the incident raises concerns about the escalating violence and the capacity of local security outfits to combat such threats. OSPAC, a vital community-based security initiative, plays a crucial role in complementing the efforts of official security agencies. Any attack on such an organization is an attack on the community's safety and stability. The fact that the assailants arrived in vehicles and fled suggests a level of organization that warrants a thorough investigation.

At that hour of the day, the gunmen drove in and started shooting sporadically. Nobody died, but one of our personnel sustained a bullet injury to his ankle. Our station guards later repelled the attack.

โ€” Godknows NkemThe Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Godknows Nkem, said the office serves as a centre where residents lodge various complaints.

The Rivers State Police Command's confirmation of the incident and ongoing investigation is a welcome step. However, the community will be looking for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and to reassure residents that their safety is paramount. The spokesperson for OSPAC's concern about the welfare of their personnel, despite their dedication, also points to underlying issues that may need to be addressed to ensure the sustained effectiveness of local security efforts in Rivers State.

I can confirm the incident. No arrest for now because the incident happened late in the night, but investigation is ongoing to unmask the identities of the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to justice.

โ€” ASP Grace Iringe-KokoThe spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the attack on the vigilante office.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.