The Command described the incident as a serious threat to the relative peace in Rivers State and assured residents that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted
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 those responsible for a deadly attack in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), which claimed the lives of four persons, including the Omoku Zonal Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), and left another resident injured.
The Command described the incident as a serious threat to the relative peace in Rivers State and assured residents that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.
According to the Police, the attack occurred on Monday, July 20, 2026, when unidentified gunmen killed OSPAC Commander Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha alongside three women on Oba Road in Omoku. One Obidi Emenike sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Tension linked to community dispute
A community source said the violence followed rising tension over issues relating to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the operations of Oando Plc, and allegations of mismanagement of community funds involving the traditional ruler of Ogbaland.
The source alleged that the disagreement prompted some youths to openly challenge the monarch and members of his traditional council.
According to the source, during a meeting convened by the youths, security operatives accompanied by members of OSPAC allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot wounds.
The claims have not been independently verified by the police.
The source further alleged that Monday’s deadly attack was a reprisal, during which gunmen targeted the OSPAC commander and launched attacks on individuals believed to be loyal to the traditional ruler.
Community thrown into panic
The violence sparked panic across Omoku as residents fled their homes while traders hurriedly shut down businesses.
Witnesses said attacks spread to beer parlours, residential areas and other public locations, with several people reportedly sustaining injuries.
Commercial activities were brought to a standstill as markets and business premises remained closed amid fears of further violence.
One resident, who fled the community with his family, described the chaotic situation 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 attack
The Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Comrade Nkem Godknows, confirmed that the slain commander was attacked near his residence.
“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.
He disclosed that three women lost their lives at the scene, while two other victims sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
“The police were immediately informed, and we reported the incident without delay,” he added.
Godknows appealed to residents not to panic despite the tragic incident.
“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.
He also appealed to the government and public-spirited individuals to provide support for OSPAC, lamenting poor welfare conditions for members of the security outfit.
“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 killings
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, condemned the attack, describing it as “unfortunate, disturbing and a threat to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Rivers State.”
“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 said.
“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.”
CP Adepoju directed all community-based security groups and local vigilante organisations operating across Rivers State to work closely with the Police under the supervision of their respective Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders.
According to him, the collaboration is necessary to improve operational coordination, strengthen security operations and reduce the vulnerability of local security personnel to attacks by criminal elements.
The Police Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
He assured residents that all information supplied would be treated with strict confidentiality.
ASP Agabe further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the 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 calm has returned to Omoku, with combined teams of police officers and other security agencies carrying out intensive visibility patrols to sustain law and order while investigations continue.
