The wave of insecurity in Rivers State has claimed another victim following the fatal shooting of a former Chief Security Officer of Bori, Mr. Letam Kine, by unidentified gunmen in Khana Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening along Polytechnic Road in Bori, the administrative headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, has sparked widespread fear among residents and renewed concerns over the resurgence of cult-related violence in the Ogoni axis of the state.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers intercepted Kine and opened fire on him before fleeing into nearby bushes, leaving him dead at the scene. Residents believe the assailants were members of a cult group, although security authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
The sound of gunfire reportedly threw the community into panic, forcing traders, commuters and residents to scamper for safety. Commercial activities came to an abrupt halt as shop owners hurriedly shut their businesses while students of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and nearby residents fled the area in fear.
One eyewitness described the atmosphere as chaotic, saying the attack caused widespread confusion and disrupted normal activities in the community.
"The gunshots sent everyone running for safety. People abandoned their businesses immediately, and the entire area became deserted within minutes," the witness said.
Security operatives from the Rivers State Police Command later arrived at the scene after the attackers had escaped. The police confirmed the killing, stating that Kine's remains had been evacuated to a morgue while detectives had commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence.
In a statement issued through his media office, Bariere expressed concern that the latest attack occurred only weeks after another fatal incident in a neighbouring community, warning that the repeated killings suggested the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to destabilise the area.
He called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and security operations across the local government to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
"Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society," the council chairman stated, reaffirming his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the local government.
The killing has further heightened anxiety among residents of Khana and the wider Ogoni community, many of whom are calling for stronger security measures to tackle cultism and violent crimes that have continued to threaten peace and public safety.
Community leaders and residents have urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen surveillance, dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence among the people, stressing that decisive action is needed to prevent further bloodshed.
As investigations continue, many residents hope the authorities will swiftly bring those behind the attack to justice and implement lasting measures to curb the growing insecurity in the area.
