The incident resulted in the killing of the Omoku Zonal Commander of OSPAC, Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, while one Obidi Emenike was also shot and is currently receiving medical treatment
By Sam Ovie
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Published on July 23, 2026
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5 min read
The Rivers State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of a deadly clash in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), which claimed the lives of four persons, including the Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), while one other victim sustained gunshot injuries.
The Command said the attack, which occurred on Monday, July 20, 2026, has prompted an intensive investigation as security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
According to the Police, the incident resulted in the killing of the Omoku Zonal Commander of OSPAC, Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, alongside three other persons. One Obidi Emenike was also shot and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Community dispute reportedly triggered violence
A community source attributed the unrest to a dispute that began last week over issues surrounding the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the operations of Oando Company and allegations of mismanagement of community funds involving the traditional ruler of Ogbaland.
According to the source, the controversy led some youths in the community to openly challenge the monarch and members of his traditional council.
The source further alleged that during a meeting convened by the youths, some security personnel accompanied by members of OSPAC stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot wounds.
The allegation has not been independently verified by the Rivers State Police Command.
The source claimed that Monday’s deadly attack was a reprisal, during which unidentified gunmen killed the OSPAC commander and three women along Oba Road in Omoku. Some chiefs believed to be loyal to the traditional ruler were also reportedly attacked.
Panic grips Omoku
The violence threw the community into confusion as residents fled their homes while traders hurriedly closed shops and businesses.
Beer parlours, markets and private residences reportedly came under attack, with several other persons sustaining injuries during the violence.
Commercial and social activities were brought to a halt as many residents sought safety in neighbouring communities.
An eyewitness, who fled Omoku with his family, described the panic in a distress message.
“I was in Omoku earlier today, but my family and I had to run for our safety and we have just arrived Obrikom, a neighbouring community. Getting transport out of Omoku today was very difficult. Please remember us and everyone at Omoku in your prayers,” the eyewitness said.
A video circulating on social media reportedly showed victims lying in pools of blood following the attack.
OSPAC confirms commander’s killing
The Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Comrade Nkem Godknows, confirmed that the slain commander was attacked near his residence while spending time with family members.
“The incident happened a few minutes past 5 p.m. Our commander was with his sister and her friend, seated around his neighbourhood, when unknown gunmen approached and shot him dead,” he said.
Godknows disclosed that three women were killed at the scene, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital.
“The police were immediately informed, and we reported the incident without delay,” he added.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
“My appeal to the people of Omoku is to remain calm, be peaceful, and continue with their normal daily activities. Nobody should panic. By the grace of God, OSPAC, alongside other security agencies, will get to the root of this matter,” he said.
The OSPAC spokesman also appealed to the Rivers State Government and public-spirited individuals to support the organisation, lamenting poor welfare conditions.
“I also appeal to the government and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of OSPAC. We are not adequately taken care of. We are not paid, and we have no reliable source of income. We have little or no support or encouragement. I am calling on the general public to support OSPAC,” he stated.
Police condemn attack
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, condemned the killings, describing them as a serious threat to public peace.
“The Rivers State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack that occurred in Omoku, which claimed the lives of one OSPAC official and three other persons, while one Obidi Emenike sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.
“The Command condemns this heinous act in its entirety and assures the public that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.”
The Commissioner of Police directed all community-based security groups and local vigilante outfits across the state to operate in close collaboration with the Police under the supervision of their respective Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders.
According to him, the directive is aimed at improving coordination, strengthening operational efficiency and preventing members of community security organisations from becoming targets of criminal attacks while carrying out their lawful duties.
The Police also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations, assuring the public that all intelligence received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
ASP Agabe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Police Command is committed to protecting lives and properties and will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” she said.
She added that normalcy has gradually returned to Omoku, with combined teams of police officers and other security agencies maintaining intensive visibility patrols across the community to restore confidence and sustain law and order while investigations continue.
