One injured, residents flee as gunmen attack Rivers security outfit

A brazen attack on the Onelga Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC) office in Omoku town, Rivers State, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about escalating insecurity. The incident, which saw gunmen opening fire on the OSPAC headquarters on Erema Street, resulted in an injury to one of the outfit's personnel, causing pandemonium and forcing residents to flee.

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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 on his ankle. Our station guards later repelled the attack.

The assailants reportedly arrived in two vehicles, including a Lexus Jeep, and unleashed indiscriminate gunfire. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the audacity of targeting a local security post highlights a disturbing trend of violence in the region. OSPAC, a vital community-based security initiative, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

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The fear of OSPAC is the beginning of wisdom in the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and Rivers State at large. Just that for the past eight months we came on board, our welfare has not been catered for. We have been struggling to survive.

OSPAC's Public Relations Officer, Godknows Nkem, expressed surprise at the attack, noting that despite the incident, the station guards managed to repel the assailants. He also alluded to the challenges faced by the outfit, including welfare issues, which could potentially impact morale. The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the attack and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of Rivers State and the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety of communities and their security personnel.

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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.