Fear gripped residents of Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday evening after unknown gunmen shot dead the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the council, Mr. Letam Kine.
The attackers reportedly struck at about 6 p.m. along Polytechnic Road, opening fire on the former security chief before fleeing the scene.
The sound of gunshots sent residents, motorists and business owners scampering for safety, while shop owners hurriedly shut their businesses as panic spread across the area.
An eyewitness said the assailants escaped before security operatives arrived, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.
The latest killing has heightened tension in Khana, with residents expressing fears over what they described as a resurgence of violent attacks in the area.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has no place in a peaceful society.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, Bariere lamented that the murder came barely weeks after the killing of Mr. Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community.
He warned that the repeated attacks suggested the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to destabilise the peace and security of the council area.
The council boss called on security agencies to intensify operations and ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the killing.
He also sympathised with the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Bariere urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies to aid investigations and prevent further attacks.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command said the body of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed that a full-scale investigation had commenced to identify and arrest those responsible.
She also appealed to the family of the deceased to formally report the matter to the police, explaining that it would assist investigators and speed up the administration of justice.
“The body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a full investigation has commenced to identify and bring those responsible to justice,” Agabe said.
She reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all those linked to the murder are tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
