At least four people sustained gunshot wounds on Wednesday when suspected members of the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) attacked a youth gathering in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The youths, believed to be supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, had assembled at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with the governor when the gunmen stormed the area and opened fire, eyewitnesses said.
The attack comes amid growing political tensions in Rivers State, following a 48-hour ultimatum given to Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill before the March 5 deadline.
It was gathered that the attackers were led by a senior vigilante commander known as ‘Fucking Naira,’ who allegedly shot at least 14 people.
However, the victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment.
It was learnt that the shooter is a factional leader of a prominent political party and a staunch supporter of a well-known politician in the state.
Meanwhile, the vigilante commander was accused of threatening further attacks on Fubara’s supporters.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that four individuals sustained gunshot wounds during an attack in Elele.
In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the incident occurred when a patrol team from the Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), arrived at Elele Roundabout to disperse an unlawful assembly.
“While officers were engaging with the crowd, an unidentified assailant hiding nearby opened fire, injuring multiple people. As of this report, only four individuals have been confirmed injured,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that after the shooting, the armed assailants attempted to flee, but one suspect was apprehended. A single-barrel gun was recovered from him.
“The injured victims were immediately taken to different hospitals in Elele for urgent medical attention,” she said, adding that a manhunt was underway for the suspects who escaped.
According to Iringe-Koko, some of the attackers were identified as members of the local vigilante group, the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
She confirmed that the arrested suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, assuring that all those involved in the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.
