By Dormene Mbea
Two persons have been killed following an attack by suspected gunmen on Rumuodogo 2 Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State in the early hours of Monday.
The motive for the attack was yet to be established at the time of filing this report, but residents said the assailants moved through the community in a commando-style operation, breaking into houses in search of specific individuals.
One of the residents, identified simply as Monica, alleged that her husband was among those killed during the attack.
Speaking about her ordeal, she claimed the gunmen invaded their home at about 1 a.m., forced their way inside, and dragged both of them outside.
According to her, the attackers assaulted her husband before allegedly shooting him.
“They came by 1 a.m., broke our door and brought my husband and me outside.
I was even naked when we were brought outside. They started beating my husband and shot him.
“They wanted to kill me too, but one of them said they should leave me because I am a woman,” she said.
Monica further alleged that the attackers claimed they were acting in retaliation for the killing of persons whose bodies were reportedly discovered in a river in the area the previous Monday.
The incident threw the community into panic, with many residents reportedly fleeing their homes for safety, while others sought refuge in nearby bushes.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, said two persons lost their lives in the attack.
“I can confirm the incident. Two persons were killed in the attack. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to arrest the perpetrators,” the police spokesperson said. The Rivers State Police Command assured residents that efforts were underway to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice, while urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators.