Four Shot As Gunmen Disrupt Pro-Fubara Gathering In Rivers
Gunmen suspected to be members of the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) attacked supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, injuring several people on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses said the youths had gathered at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with the governor when gunmen stormed the area and opened fire.
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions in the 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.
The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment.
The shooter is said to be a factional leader of a prominent political party and a staunch supporter of a well-known politician in the state.
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The vigilante commander was also accused of threatening further attacks on Fubara’s supporters.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that four individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said, “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.”
She added that after the shooting, the armed assailants attempted to flee, but one suspect was apprehended, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from him.
“The injured victims were immediately taken to different hospitals in Elele for urgent medical attention,” she stated, 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 OSPAC vigilante group.
She assured that the arrested suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and that all those involved in the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
