The President of the Omoku Youth Federation in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ifeanyi Azuazu, has been killed by suspected cultists.
Sources familiar with the incident said Azuazu was abducted during an attack in Omoku town, during which his aide, Chigozie Oluwu, was also killed.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 6pm on Thursday when around seven assailants stormed a popular drinking spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road, Omoku.
A resident said the attackers, who arrived in two vehicles, confronted the youth leader and ordered him into one of the cars.
“His aide, Oluwu, tried to intervene and was immediately shot dead. The gunmen then abducted Azuazu and drove away to an unknown location,” the resident said.
The incident triggered panic in the area, forcing residents and passersby to flee, while shop owners hurriedly shut down their businesses.
A viral video later emerged showing local youths assisting police and other security personnel in evacuating Oluwu’s body in an open patrol van.
The killings were confirmed by the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
OSPAC’s Public Relations Officer, Godnews Nkem, said Oluwu was killed before Azuazu was taken away by the attackers, adding that security operatives later recovered Azuazu’s body in a nearby bush.
While condemning the attack, OSPAC urged residents to remain calm and allow the police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, described the attack as cult-related.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. It was cult-related. The assailants invaded the area, shot one person dead, and abducted the youth president. His body was later discovered,” she said.
Iringe-Koko added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
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