One person has been confirmed dead while eight others sustained injuries following a shooting incident in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA)of Rivers State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 19 January 2026, along Sambo Street, during a masquerade procession by local youths.
According to the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko on Tuesday, a confrontation broke out around 1:30 a.m. involving members of the masquerade group, a legal practitioner identified as Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS).
The force spokesperson disclosed that nine members of the masquerade group were shot during the clash.
One of the victims, identified simply as Obulo, was later confirmed dead at yet-to-be identified hospital, Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical attention at the same facility.
The Police said a report of the incident was received at the Omoku Police Division at about 7:00 a.m. through credible sources, prompting immediate action by security operatives.
Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, alongside two other suspects, was arrested shortly after the incident and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The Police noted that preliminary inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine the level of responsibility of all parties involved.
In a bid to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Area Commander reportedly visited the community and engaged aggrieved youths, urging calm.
A joint security patrol involving the Police and the Military has also been deployed in Omoku to safeguard lives and property.
The Rivers State Police Command assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, adding that anyone found culpable would be made to face the full weight of the law.
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