Gunmen Attack Rivers Community, Injure Multiple Residents
At least four people were injured on Wednesday morning when hoodlums opened fire on a crowd at Elele Roundabout, Rivers State.
The attack, which occurred around 7 a.m., was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who stated that law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the unlawful assembly of suspected hoodlums at the location, a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), swiftly mobilized to the scene to restore order.
“During an attempt to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant, hiding within the vicinity, opened fire, resulting in multiple injuries. As of press time, the number of those injured stood at four,” Iringe-Koko said.
However, sources claim that more than ten people suffered bullet wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The police spokesperson further revealed that the armed attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, but one suspect was apprehended and a single-barrel gun was recovered from him.
A police manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects, some of whom have been identified as members of the local vigilante group, OSPAC.
The arrested suspect and the recovered firearm have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Read also: Nigerian Army Strengthens Security in Lagos and Ogun with Joint Training
“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public that all perpetrators involved in this criminal act will be apprehended and brought to justice. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” the police statement added.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, urged residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
The attack has heightened tensions in the area, as residents fear a potential escalation of violence.
