By PANIC swept through Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, following a deadly attack in which two persons were killed, including the President of the Omoku Youth Federation (OYF), Comrade Ifeanyi Azuazu.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 pm on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at a popular drinking spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road, when gunmen suspected to be cultists stormed the area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, numbering about seven, arrived in two vehicles and forcefully abducted Azuazu.
His personal aide, Chigozie Oluwu, was reportedly shot dead when he attempted to intervene.
The attack triggered widespread panic as residents and passers-by fled for safety, while traders hurriedly closed their shops amid fears of further violence.
The situation took a more disturbing turn on Friday afternoon when the headless body of the youth leader was discovered in a forest within Omoku by operatives of the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
Confirming the development, OSPAC spokesperson Godnews Nkem said Oluwu was killed at the scene of the attack, while Azuazu was taken away alive before being murdered by his abductors.
“OSPAC operatives, working alongside other local security networks, recovered the headless body of the President of the Omoku Youth Federation in a forest on Friday afternoon,” Nkem said.
Describing the killing as brutal and unfortunate, he urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
He added that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant bodies, have commenced investigations to identify and arrest those responsible.
Residents of Omoku have expressed fear and outrage over the incident, describing it as a serious setback to peace in the community, while calling on the state government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the killing was cult-related and that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened tension in Omoku and neighbouring communities.
