Rivers State Rocked by Brutal Killing of OSPAC Commander and Three Women, Police Vow Justice
The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the recent killing of OSPAC Zonal Commander Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha and three women in Omoku, Rivers State, promising to bring the perpetrators to justice. The tragic incident, which also left two injured, threatens the state's peace and has prompted calls for increased security collaboration and community support for ongoing investigations.
The Rivers State Police Command has strongly condemned the tragic killing of Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), alongside three women in Omoku, within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council. The Command has assured the residents of Rivers State that a thorough investigation is underway to track down and prosecute those responsible for this heinous act.
The brutal attack unfolded at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday along Oba Road. Reports indicate that Commander Nwaocha was relaxing near his residence with his sister and her friend when they were suddenly ambushed by suspected gunmen who opened fire. OSPAC spokesperson, Nkem Godknows, confirmed that the commander and three women lost their lives in the assault. Additionally, two other individuals sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The police further identified one of the injured victims as Obidi Emenike.
In an official statement released by ASP Grace Iringe-Koko on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Police Command described the incident as "gruesome, unfortunate and disturbing." The statement emphasized that such an act directly threatens the relative peace that the state has been enjoying. The Command reiterated its condemnation of this "heinous act" and pledged to identify, arrest, and ensure the full legal consequences for all perpetrators.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Commissioner of Police urged all community-based security groups and local vigilante outfits across Rivers State, including OSPAC, to enhance their collaboration with the Police Command. This collaboration is to be conducted under the direct supervision of their respective Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders, with the aim of strengthening overall security and improving operational coordination throughout the region. The Command also appealed to the public to maintain calm and actively support the ongoing investigations by providing any credible and timely information they may possess, assuring that all received information would be handled with the strictest confidentiality.
Echoing the call for peace, OSPAC spokesperson Nkem Godknows implored the residents of Omoku to remain peaceful and refrain from any actions that could potentially escalate tensions. Godknows also made a direct appeal to the Rivers State Government and other philanthropic individuals to provide increased welfare and essential operational support for OSPAC personnel, recognizing their crucial role in community security.
Following the incident, security sources have reported that calm has been restored to Omoku. Combined teams of security operatives are currently conducting intensive visibility patrols across the entire area. These patrols are designed to reassure residents of their safety and to uphold law and order as the investigations into the tragic events continue.