A police officer and a local vigilante have been shot dead during an attack at the entrance of Ahoada East Local Government Secretariat in Rivers State. The incident happened on Monday night when gunmen arrived on motorcycles and tried to force their way into the council premises.
The victims were part of a security team stationed at the gate following unrest linked to the recent assault on Mr. Goodluck Iheanachor, the council administrator. Iheanachor was reportedly beaten and forced to resign after a power tussle in the area. Although police identified the council’s Chief Security Officer and Chief of Staff as suspects in the earlier assault, tensions have continued to grow. On Sunday, Iheanachor’s relatives vowed to retaliate.
On the night of the attack, officers tried to stop the intruders, leading to a gun battle. Two men were killed in the exchange: OSPAC member Ngozi Ipah and Corporal Francis Friday, a police officer on special duty.
According to Emeni Ibe, President of the Orashi National Congress, the shooting happened between 8 and 9 p.m. He appealed to local youths to release weapons and called for a stronger police presence.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the area on Tuesday with senior officers. The police blamed the violence on members of a cult group known as Iceland and identified two suspected leaders: Umegbewe Kingsley, also known as ‘Gutam,’ and a man named Opaka.
Police said the attackers first stormed the OSPAC office beside the council gate and shot Ngozi Ipah. As they fled, they killed Corporal Friday. Both victims were rushed to Ahoada General Hospital but were confirmed dead on arrival.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko condemned the killings and described them as ruthless. She urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activity.
