By Wilson Adekumola
Suspected gunmen have reportedly shot a police officer dead at a checkpoint around Emohua axis of East West road in Rivers State.
The victim was among the new officers who were said to have been deployed to Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
While confirming the killing to newsmen, a member of a local vigilante group in the area, Ohaka Obisike, claimed a civilian who was driving in a private vehicle, was also hit by stray bullets during the operation.
He expressed worries over the rifles withdrew from local vigilantes by the Nigeria Police, saying this measure has adversely affected them in performing their duty against the criminals terrorizing the area.
Obisike stated that Emohua LGA has turned into a den of criminals.
He also wondered why traditional leaders and political leaders are quiet about the security situation in the area, calling for urgent intervention.
“These boys came out and started shooting and killed one policeman and shattered a private vehicle.
“Everywhere was deserted, and all the vehicles were on a standstill. This is why we are complaining about the police collecting rifles from the vigilantes.
“If the vigilantes are well armed, they will go after these boys terrorizing Emohua Local Government.
“The other time they attacked a vehicle, and it somersaulted. Nobody is talking; traditional rulers, kings, politicians in Emohua are all quiet about the issue.
“They are terrorizing this place, and nobody is talking”, he said.
The State Command’s Spokesman, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed a police officer was actually shot deat at a checkpoint in the area.
Iringe-Koko stressed that the rifle of the officer has been retrieved while efforts to apprehend the hoodlums and their sponsors in the area have commenced.
