The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a lawyer following a shooting incident during a masquerade display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state, which resulted in one death and left eight other persons injured.
The police said the incident occurred on Monday after a confrontation between youths participating in the masquerade and a lawyer, identified as Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards.
The spokesperson for the command explained that the disagreement escalated into violence, leading to gunshots and multiple casualties. According to the police, nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
One of the victims, identified simply as Obulo, was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment.
The police disclosed that the lawyer and two other suspects connected to the incident have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the shooting and determine the level of responsibility of all individuals involved.
The police added that senior officers have engaged community members to ease tensions, while joint security patrols involving the police and the military have been deployed in the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Rivers State Police Command assured residents that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in line with the law.
Be the first to comment