Gunmen shot and killed Mr Letam Kine, a former Chief Security Officer of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred along Polytechnic Road in Bori, with residents suspecting that the assailants were cultists.
It was gathered that the attackers opened fire on the victim before fleeing into nearby bushes.
An eyewitness told our correspondent on Monday that the attack caused panic in the area as residents and passers-by fled for safety after hearing gunshots before the victim’s lifeless body was discovered.
Bori hosts the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, named after the late playwright and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, with students of the institution contributing significantly to the population of the Ogoni community.
The source, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, said, “As a result of the incident, social and business activities were immediately halted, with shop owners hurriedly closing their businesses.
“As I speak with you, activities have resumed, unlike last night, but people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was carried out by cultists.
“Policemen came, but it was too late because the assailants had fled the scene.”
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
Bariere, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Communications in Khana LGA, Barry Neemana, described Kine’s murder as heartbreaking, stressing that such criminality has no place in a law-abiding society.
He expressed concern that the incident came just weeks after a similar killing in a nearby community, noting that the repeated attacks suggested the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.
The statement read, “The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr Thomas Bariere, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mr Letam Kine, also known as Langa, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.
“He expressed deep concern that the killing comes barely weeks after the tragic murder of Mr Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, noting that the repeated attacks point to the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.
“Dr Bariere called on all security agencies to intensify their operations across the Local Government Area and ensure that those behind these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
“He urged law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the murder of Mr Letam Kine, arrest everyone connected to the crime, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
While condoling with Kine’s family, the council chairman reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that every lawful measure is taken to safeguard the lives of the people of Khana.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday, saying the deceased’s body had been deposited in a morgue.
Agabe, a Superintendent of Police, added, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. Our men are there, patrols are ongoing in the area, and an investigation is underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.”
