Gunmen Attack and Shoot Ogoni Leader and Three Others, Causing Tension in Rivers

On Sunday evening, a group of unidentified gunmen attack and shot four individuals, including the National Leader of the Conscience of Ogoni People, Chief Gani Topba, in the Bori area of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The victims were returning to Port Harcourt from Bori, the headquarters of Khana LGA, when the armed attackers on a motorcycle opened fire on their moving vehicle from behind, shooting sporadically at the private car.

According to a source, all the occupants of the car sustained bullet wounds, and the gunmen fled the scene after several shots at the car. Reports indicate that Topba and the other victims were hospitalized, causing tension in Ogoni ahead of the upcoming polls.

In response to the gunmen attack incident, Saviour Oscar Imeabe, the National President of the Ogoni Youth Development Initiative, condemned the attack, stating that it was politically motivated. Imeabe urged political gladiators of Ogoni ethnic nationality not to use their interests to cause tension and criminality in the area.

Imeabe expressed regret that the incident occurred a few days before the election, which has ruptured peace and triggered tension in Ogoni. He emphasized that politics should be devoid of guns and killings, and called on security operatives to investigate the development and unravel the gunmen. He also urged that if the culprits are apprehended, they should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

However, as of press time, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated that the police were not aware of the attack. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and ensure peace in the area. It is hoped that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice on time and that the victims will recover quickly.