Gunmen Open Fire On Soldiers In Rivers Community

PORT HARCOURT – Unknown gunmen, suspected to be cultists have opened fire on troops guarding a crude oil pipeline in Okporowo community, Igbu Orlukwor clan, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The attack which occurred on Monday, around 11 am, left one of the soldiers critically injured.

According to sources in the community, the soldiers following the attack, swiftly responded with superior fire power, forcing the gunmen to retreat.

Residents and natives of the community however began fleeing at the wake of the attack over fear of reprisals from the military who were combing the area in search of the hoodlums.

Reacting to the incident, the monarch of Igbu Orlukwor, Prince Ike Ehie, in a press release signed by the Head, Information & Documentation, Eze Igbu Orlukwor Palace, Oyagiri Chime-Emele, condemned the attack, describing it as an affront and insult on constituted authorities.

The statement reads, “The Monarch of Igbu Orlukwor, Prince Ike Ehie, has strongly condemned the alleged shooting of soldiers on legitimate duties by some miscreants at Okporowo Community.

“He described as an affront and insult on constituted authorities for civilians under any guise to shoot at military officers on their constitutionally assigned responsibilities.”

Ehie called on the government to fish out the perpetrators and urged security agencies to exhibit utmost professionalism in their response.

The Orlukwor Royal Father also warned community paramount rulers to protect public interest and avoid security breaches that could compromise the kingdom’s security, threatening dire consequences, including outright removal, for non-compliance.

He, however, sympathized with the Military High Command, Government and particularly the victims and prayed that God in His infinite mercy lay His healing hands on the injured for quick and outright recovery