Panic swept through Bori Town in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday after unidentified gunmen shot dead a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the council, Mr. Letam Kine.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 6 p.m. along the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Barine, said the shooting caused panic in the area as residents and passers-by fled for safety.
According to him, the motive behind the killing remains unknown, while the assailants escaped before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Reacting to the incident, Khana Local Government Chairman, Mr. Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as senseless and heartbreaking.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, Bariere expressed concern that the attack came only weeks after the killing of Mr. Clement Deegbara J. of Kpon Community.
He said the repeated attacks suggested that criminal elements were attempting to undermine peace and security in the local government area.
The council chairman called on security agencies to intensify operations across Khana to ensure those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
He also sympathised with the family of the deceased and urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, said the victim’s body had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“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.
“Although the family of the deceased has not yet lodged a formal complaint with the Police, they are strongly advised to do so, as this will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring that all those connected with this incident are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”