Panic gripped residents of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, after suspected gunmen shot dead a former Chief Security Officer of the council, Letam Kine.
The attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Sunday along Polytechnic Road in Bori, sending residents, motorists and traders scrambling for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants fled the scene immediately after carrying out the attack before security operatives arrived.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has no place in a peaceful society.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, the council chairman expressed sadness over Kine’s death, saying the incident was both tragic and disturbing.
Bariere noted that the killing came only weeks after the murder of Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community, warning that the repeated attacks pointed to the activities of armed criminal groups determined to destabilise the area.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations across Khana Local Government Area and ensure that those responsible for the attacks were arrested and prosecuted.
The chairman also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for the strength to bear the loss.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law abiding while providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing investigations and prevent further attacks.
Bariere reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the local government area.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased’s body had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy while investigations had commenced.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, urged the family of the deceased to formally report the matter to the police to aid the investigation.
She assured that the command remained committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the killing in accordance with the law.