Tony John, Port Harcourt
At least nine persons including a police officer, have been reportedly killed by gunmen at different locations in three local government areas of Rivers State.
Our correspondent gathered that six persons were reportedly killed including a family of three in Erema community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.
Two persons lost their lives in Ozuaha in Ikwerre local while a police officer was killed in Rukpokwu in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
A community source from Erema community informed that men in OSPAC (local vigilance group) uniform stormed a village in Erema and killed a couple and their son after the latter who was suspected to be a cultist had escape from them.
The source, who did not want to be mentioned for security reason said also in the Erema community, three other persons were killed at two different locations; it was suspected to be cult-related killing, bringing the total to six victims.
In Ozuaha community, it was gathered that the two victims who were supporters of the major opposition party in the state were shot dead.
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Ogoni, has confirmed the killing of the police officer, which occurred at a check-point in Rukpokwu.
Omoni said that the killers operated in a white Hilux van, adding that they carted away the victim’s rifle but command was working to track them.