Hoodlums raid Rivers communities, kill 13
A gang of gunmen, suspected to be cultists, on Thursday, sacked Obrikom and Omoku communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, killing 13 persons in the process.
The gunmen, as reported by Punch online were said to have stormed the communities at about 4am, overpowered youths and policemen deployed in the areas before killing their victims.
It reported further that the source in the area said while eight persons were mowed down by the attackers in Obrikom, five persons also lost their lives in similar circumstance in Omoku.
It was gathered that the operation, which lasted till noon, had turned Obikom into a ghost town as residents had fled the area for fear of more attacks.
An eyewitness told Punch correspondent that the gunmen had disarmed some youths, who were members of a vigilante group, before shooting their way into Obrikom town.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added, “It looked like an inter-cult war and they operated from 4am to noon today (Thursday) after they overpowered policemen and some youths that were on guard in Obrikom town.
“We learnt that eight person were killed on Obikom during the attack. There was also another attack in Omoku, where five persons were killed. In Obrikom, the entire place is currently like a ghost town.
“People have deserted the area because they are afraid that the gunmen may come back. We were told that they were on a reprisal, but we are not sure as of this moment I am speaking with you.”
Also, a teacher in one of the schools in Omoku said he had to leave the teachers’ lodge in a hurry and move to Port Harcourt as a result of the sporadic shooting in the area.
The secondary school teacher, who did not want his name mentioned, disclosed that one person was killed at the main gate of the school in Omoku.
The State Police Public Relations Officers, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the incident, adding that he was not sure of the number of persons killed during the attacks.
“I am aware of the incident, but the actual figure (of those killed) remains conflicting,” he said