Gunmen have attacked the Obele community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving one vigilante member dead and injuring four others.
The Rivers State police command confirmed the incident, revealing that a house was also destroyed during the assault.
The slain victim was reportedly a member of the peace and advisory committee in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the fatality and property damage, stating, “One person was killed, and a house was destroyed.”
One of the survivors, Eze, recounted how he narrowly escaped, explaining that the assailants accused them of being police informants. “I looked out and saw armed men working for a man called ‘Naked,'” Eze said.
“I warned my brother to flee, and as we ran, they opened fire on us. We’ve been unable to locate my brother since then and have been searching for him.”
The attackers reportedly targeted the residence of Chigozie Woka, a former local councillor. Woka stated that “Naked,” who allegedly led the assault, has no roots in Obele but often seeks refuge there.
Woka described recent tensions, saying that “Naked” had accused him of aiding security agencies in an attempt to expel him from the community.
“He and his gang destroyed my home, accusing me of working with law enforcement,” Woka added.
The incident has heightened concerns about security in the region, as residents now fear further violence.