Date: July 22, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a local vigilante commander and three women in a deadly attack in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, in what authorities believe may be linked to an ongoing community dispute.
The slain vigilante leader was identified as Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, the zonal commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), a local security outfit that supports conventional security agencies in maintaining law and order across the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the scene on Tuesday evening while Nwaocha was relaxing outside his residence along Oba Road in Omoku. The gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing the commander and three women who were with him at the time of the attack.
Among those killed was Nwaocha's sister, while the identities of the other two women had not been officially released as of the time of reporting. Residents said the attack occurred suddenly, leaving little opportunity for the victims to escape before the assailants fled the area.
Sources familiar with the incident said the killings may have been carried out as a reprisal attack following a recent violent clash connected to a lingering community dispute in the area. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact motive behind the attack, and investigations are continuing.
The attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in Omoku, a community that has experienced repeated incidents of cult-related violence and armed attacks over the years. Residents expressed fear that the latest killings could trigger further violence if those responsible are not quickly brought to justice.
OSPAC has played a significant role in community policing across Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, often working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. The killing of one of its senior commanders is expected to have a significant impact on local security operations.
Community leaders have called on security agencies to launch an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and strengthen security presence in the area to prevent further attacks. They also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing useful information that could assist in identifying those responsible.
As of Wednesday, security agencies had not announced any arrests in connection with the incident. Police are expected to carry out further investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine whether it was directly connected to the reported community conflict.
The latest killings underscore the persistent security challenges facing parts of Rivers State, where cult-related violence, communal disputes, and criminal activities continue to pose threats to lives and property despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace.