At least eight individuals were shot in Elele town, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, by members of a local vigilante group. However, the police reported that only four people were injured in the incident, which occurred on Wednesday at the Elele roundabout along the Port Harcourt-Owerri road.
Reports indicate that the gunmen, believed to be part of the Elele Security Planning and Advisory Committee (ESPAC), targeted a group of youths who were discussing the political turmoil in the state and opened fire on them.
As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but reliable sources suggest that more than eight individuals sustained bullet wounds. One anonymous local source claimed, “This is happening in Elele town, Ikwerre LGA, where the OSPAC commander, who is also a leader of a PDP faction in Elele, attacked supporters of Governor Sim Fubara, leaving many hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
The commander has threatened to eliminate all supporters of Governor Fubara in Elele, and the previous local chairman was unable to intervene.
He has already carried out his threat and has vowed to continue.
We call on security agencies to apprehend him for prosecution.”In response, the Rivers State Police Command stated that they have arrested one suspect linked to the shooting in Elele Town.
Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed that after the shooting, several assailants fled the scene, but one was apprehended. Iringe-Koko stated, “The Rivers State Police Command would like to inform the public about a violent attack at Elele Roundabout on March 5, 2025, at approximately 7 am.”Following credible intelligence regarding an unlawful assembly of suspected hoodlums at the location, a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), quickly responded to restore order.”While attempting to disperse the crowd, an unidentified individual, concealed nearby, opened fire, resulting in multiple injuries.
As of the latest update, four injuries have been confirmed.”The armed individuals fled promptly, but one suspect was captured, and a single-barrel gun was seized.
The injured victims received immediate medical attention at various local hospitals.”A manhunt is currently underway for the other fleeing suspects, some of whom have been recognized as members of the local vigilante group OSPAC.
The arrested individual, along with the recovered firearm, will be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry.
The Rivers State Police Command promises that all individuals involved in this criminal act will be apprehended and brought to justice. Further updates will be provided in due course.
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