PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Rivers State Police Command has launched an intensive investigation following the deadly ambush and killing of an local vigilante commander and three women in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

The slain vigilante leader was identified as Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, the Omoku Zonal Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).

According to OSPAC spokesperson Nkem Godknows, the incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. along Oba Road in Omoku.

The commander was reportedly relaxing outside near his neighborhood alongside his sister and her friend when unsuspected gunmen approached and opened fire.

"Our commander was with his sister and her friend, seated around his neighbourhood, when the unknown gunmen approached and shot him dead," Godknows stated. "They also shot the girls. The three women died on the spot, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital."

Police authorities later identified one of the injured victims receiving emergency treatment as Obidi Emenike.

In an official statement released by the Rivers State Police Command, police authorities described the attack as "gruesome, unfortunate, and disturbing," noting that it directly threatens the relative peace achieved across the state.

The Command assured the public that all necessary tactical resources have been deployed to track down the assailants:

"The Command condemns this heinous act in its entirety and assures the public that those responsible will be identified, arrested and made to face the full weight of the law," the statement read.

The Police Commissioner urged community-based vigilante groups across Rivers State to coordinate closely with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to ensure tighter security monitoring.

The attack temporarily triggered panic across Omoku town, prompting business owners to close shops while combined security teams commenced visibility patrols to restore order.

OSPAC spokesperson Nkem Godknows appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid panic, while calling on the state government and local stakeholders to provide increased funding, welfare, and operational support for vigilante members assisting conventional security forces.