Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed at least six persons, including a commercial motorcycle operator in Gwara and Kono-Boue communities, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The PUNCH quoting a resident, reports that the first attack took place on Tuesday morning in Gwara community.
No fewer than three villagers were killed as the gunmen, reportedly numbering around seven, shot indiscriminately before leaving unchallenged.
The source disclosed that the okada rider and two of his passengers were killed later in the day when the gunmen stormed neighbouring Kono-Boue.
Narrating the incident, the Public Relations Officer, Community Development Community of Kono-Boue, Nwibakpo Golden, said that some villagers ran into the bush and safer areas to avoid being hit by stray bullet.
“This afternoon unknown gunmen invaded Gwara community, killing about three persons. They went into Kono-Boue, killing three too. A motorcycle rider and the persons that were with him were killed.
“They were coming from Thanksgiving when they ran into the gunmen and were shot dead,” he stated with bitterness.
Asked if the security agencies were notified of the incident, Golden said he personally put a call across to the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Bori division, saying he responded but the hoodlums had taken to flight.
He said the absence of a functional police station and the bad road in the area have worsen the security situation there, saying villagers who fled were yet to return.
“As we speak now, some people are hiding in the bush. The way they (gunmen) came, they were not looking at anybody. They were just shooting.
“The governor of Rivers State once came to this place and promised that there will be a police station there. Kono-Boue is a very large community. We are still hoping that he will fulfil his promise.
“Secondly, the road there is bad. If they fix the road, the police can easily access the area anytime we call them. The DPO came with his team, but the gunmen did not waste time. He (DPO) was able to restore normalcy,” Golden added.
When contacted, spokesman for the State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, said he would get in touch with the DPO, Bori division, and get back to our correspondent.
Omoni, a superintendent of Police, had yet to give our reporter a feedback as at the time of filing this report.
