Rivers Community Boils
Edith CHUKU
Some natives of Elele town in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, are battling for their lives in the hospital, following an attack by suspected members of the local vigilante group, known as OSPAC.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-koko, in a statement revealed that four persons were shot, but a viral video made by a former councilor, Mr Odinaka Nwokoro, showed more than seven persons with gun shot wounds, receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
The incident which occured in the early hours of Wednesday, is not unconnected with the political crisis ravaging the state.
The judgment of the Supreme Court, appears to be breeding a cold war between the supporters of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.
In the viral video, the speaker said, “my name is Hon. Odinaka Nwokoro, the past councillor that were dropped at the Supreme Court.”
He explained that, “This morning, we were at the roundabout, ‘fucking naira’, Mr Iheanyi Wosa, who happens to be the OSPAC Commander short virtually 14 Elele indigenes, he wanted to kill us at the roundabout.”
He moved the video away from him to reveal the victims of the incident.
He noted from the background that, “right now some of us are been shot at the stomach. Look at some of us(moves from bed to bed to show the victims).
He called some of their names. “This is Smart Don lying lifelessly at the hospital, this is Ezebuchi Amadi, this is Shaba, this is Ebo, Ify, Reginald.”
Some of the victims reacted thus, “fucking naira shot us.” “fucking naira shot me and councillor.” “See bullet for my leg, for my laps.”
The voice of a nurse was heard in the background, who pleaded with those capturing the victims to step out so they could get proper attention.
Meanwhile, the statement by the state Police command read, “the Rivers State Police command wishes to inform the general public of a violent attack at Elele Roundabout on the morning of March 5, 2025, at about 7 am.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the unlawful assembly of suspected hoodlums at the location, a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), swiftly mobilized to the scene to restore order.
“During an attempt to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant, hiding within the vicinity, opened fire resulting in multiple injuries. As at press time, the number of those injured stood at four (4).
“The armed hoodlums fled the scene immediately, but one of them was apprehended, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from him. The injured victims were promptly rushed to various hospitals in Elele for medical attention.
“A manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects, some of whom have been identified as members of the local vigilante group known as OSPAC. The arrested suspect, along with the recovered firearm, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for further investigation.
“The Rivers State Police command assures the public that all perpetrators involved in this criminal act will be apprehended and brought to justice. Further updates will be communicated in due course.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, calls on residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that may assist in the ongoing investigation. The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.”
