Gunmen unleashed chaos on the youths in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the youths had congregated at a roundabout to express their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara when the assailants struck, escalating political tensions in the oil-rich region.
According to eyewitness reports obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, the attack was allegedly carried out by a senior local vigilante commander known as ‘Fucking Naira,’ purportedly acting on behalf of a factional leader of a prominent political party in the state.
The commander reportedly appeared suddenly and opened fire on the assembled youths, resulting in multiple injuries.
Nwokoro, a witness to the incident, claimed that the assailant fired indiscriminately, injuring approximately 14 individuals.
It was further gathered that the victims, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, were promptly rushed to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for urgent medical attention.
Confirming the incident, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, clarified that four individuals sustained injuries during the attack.
She explained that the violence erupted as police officers attempted to disperse the gathering following reports of an unlawful assembly.
“While officers were addressing the situation, an unidentified assailant hiding nearby opened fire, causing injuries to four individuals,” Superintendent Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that swift police intervention led to the apprehension of one suspect, with whom a single-barrel gun was recovered.
Mrs. Iringe-Koko further disclosed that some of the assailants were identified as members of the local vigilante group known as the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee.
She assured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend all perpetrators involved in the attack, emphasizing that the captured suspect would face thorough investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
In response to the escalating violence, Mrs. Iringe-Koko urged security agencies to intensify efforts in bringing the culprits to justice.
She emphasized the commitment of the police force to maintaining peace and security across Rivers State, pledging thorough investigations and swift prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
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