Panic Grips Rivers Community as Gunmen Kill Two, Behead Youth Leader
Residents of Omoku town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State have been thrown into fear and confusion following the killing of two persons, including the President of the Omoku Youth Federation (OYF), Comrade Ifeanyi Azuazu.
The attack occurred at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at a popular drinking spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road, in Omoku. Gunmen suspected to be cultists reportedly stormed the area in two vehicles.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, numbering about seven, abducted Azuazu during the attack. His personal aide, Chigozie Oluwu, was shot dead on the spot after attempting to intervene. The incident triggered panic, forcing residents and passersby to flee for safety, while shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses.
The headless body of the youth leader was later discovered in a forest in Omoku on Friday afternoon by operatives of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
Confirming the development, OSPAC spokesperson, Godnews Nkem, said Oluwu was killed during the attack, while Azuazu was taken away alive before being murdered and beheaded by his abductors.
“OSPAC operatives, working with other local security networks, recovered the headless body of the Omoku Youth Federation president in a forest on Friday afternoon,” Nkem said.
He described the killing as brutal and unfortunate, urging residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands. Nkem added that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), have launched investigations to track down those responsible.
Residents of Omoku have expressed fear and outrage over the incident, calling on the state government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the killing of Chigozie Oluwu and the abduction and recovery of Azuazu’s beheaded body were cult-related.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at arresting the perpetrators.
The killings have heightened tension in Omoku and neighbouring communities.