CITIZENS COMPASS –The ongoing crisis in Rivers took a new dimension on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as Two people were reportely gunned down in the State.
The deceased were said to be a security officer and a member of the Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) who reportedly died following a violent protest that broke out in Omuma Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred when protests sprang up across the 23 local government areas in the State.
The protests as gathered,followed the expiration of the tenure of elected chairmen and ward councillors.
Citizens Compass reports that the protests ended up in shooting spree in Port Hacourtt and other areas including Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana, carried out by unidentified persons.
A source in Omuma who spoke with journaliss said the conflict escalated when policemen attached to a local politician allegedly opened fire on vigilante members of OSPAC at the Omuma council secretariat.
This reportedly led to a deadly exchange where the vigilante group retaliated, resulting in casualties on both sides.
As of noon, local reports confirmed that two individuals had been gunned down following the shootings.
However, official confirmation from police authorities was still pending at press time. A police source in Omuma acknowledged the shootings but details remained unclear as investigations continued.
–Vanguard
