The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that a policeman and a member of Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee, OSPAC, have been killed in Eberi-Omuma Local Government Area of the State.
The State Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a brief WhatsApp message to journalists, stating that investigations are underway.
However, she did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths, saying there is ongoing investigation.
She said: “Yes , we lost a Police officer and one vigilante member, meanwhile the investigation is ongoing.”
However, the fatal incident is connected to the widespread protests and tension that have gripped the 23 local government areas of the state.
The unrest follows the recent expiration of the three-year terms of elected Local Government Chairmen and ward councillors, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.
Reports emerged that two individuals were fatally shot in Omuma Local Government Area, following an outbreak of gunfire in the region.
According to a local source, a policeman assigned to a politician in the area initially opened fire on vigilante members, who were part of a group involved in a clash at the Omuma council secretariat. In retaliation, the vigilantes then targeted the security personnel, resulting in a violent exchange.
However, there had been reports of shooting by alleged security personnel at the Port Harcourt City LGA Council Secretariat.
It was also learned that there were also shootings at Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme and Khana LGAs by unidentified persons.
Police Confirm Death Of Officers, Vigilante Member In Rivers Council Over Protests is first published on The Whistler Newspaper