Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a youth leader and his aide in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, sparking fear and tension across the community.
The attack occurred when the assailants, said to be about seven in number, arrived in two vehicles at a popular drinking spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road. They reportedly identified the President of the Omoku Youth Federation, Ifeanyi Azuazu, and attempted to force him into one of their vehicles.
His aide and personal guard, Chigozie Oluwu, was shot dead while trying to resist the attackers and protect his principal. The incident threw the area into chaos, with residents fleeing in different directions for safety.
Azuazu was abducted during the attack, and his body was later discovered in a forest on the outskirts of Omoku.
The Omoku community was thrown into mourning following the development, which further heightened security concerns in the area.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC), Godnews Nkem, said Oluwu was killed during the attack, while Azuazu’s body was recovered from a forest hours after his abduction.