Suspected cultists have killed the President of the Omoku Youth Federation in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ifeanyi Azuazu, along with his aide, Chigozie Oluwu.
Sources told PUNCH that the incident occurred on Thursday evening when armed assailants attacked a popular relaxation spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road, in Omoku.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to be about seven in number, arrived in two vehicles at about 6pm and confronted the youth leader.
A resident said the gunmen attempted to force Azuazu into one of their vehicles, but his aide reportedly intervened and was shot during the encounter.
“The attackers took Azuazu away after shooting his aide. People around the area ran for safety as the shooting caused panic,” the resident said.
The incident disrupted activities in the area, forcing shop owners to shut their businesses while residents fled the scene.
Security operatives, with the support of local youths, were later seen evacuating the body of the aide from the scene.
The body of Azuazu was reportedly found in a nearby bush on Friday by local security operatives.
The Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area Security and Planning Advisory Committee confirmed the killings.
The committee’s Public Relations Officer, Godnews Nkem, said the aide was killed at the scene before the youth leader was taken away by the attackers.
“Based on intelligence reports and ongoing security operations, the body of Ifeanyi Azuazu was recovered on Friday,” he said.
Nkem condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm while security agencies intensify investigations into the incident.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the killings, describing the attack as cult-related.
The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.
She added that security agencies were working to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.