The Rivers State Police Command has taken into custody a legal practitioner and two other individuals following a violent shooting incident during a traditional masquerade display in Omoku. The event, which turned deadly, resulted in the death of a youth leader and left several others with gunshot wounds.
Chaos Erupts During Cultural Procession
The tragic episode unfolded in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, along Sambo Street in the Omoku community, located within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. According to accounts from those present, the situation escalated when a masquerade participating in the procession allegedly struck a vehicle belonging to the lawyer, Barrister Claudius Akpudi Ikechukwu, with a cane.
In a reaction that shocked onlookers, the lawyer is reported to have exited his car, brandished a firearm, and began shooting indiscriminately into the crowd. The sporadic gunfire claimed the life of Emmanuel David Nkemjika, who was the immediate past Treasurer of the Omoku Youth Federation. Initial reports indicated six injuries, but police later confirmed that eight other members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot wounds.
Police Confirm Arrests and Launch Probe
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for Rivers State, CSP Grace Iringe Koko, provided details on the incident and the subsequent police action. The statement revealed that the confrontation involved Barrister Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS).
"One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at the Hospital, Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility," the statement read.
The police confirmed that Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested following the incident. They have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive and detailed investigation. Preliminary inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and the culpability of all parties involved.
Community Tension and Security Response
The fatal shooting ignited significant anger within the Omoku community. In retaliation, enraged youths set fire to two properties linked to the lawyer: his family home in the Santa Maria area and his private residence in Obrikom. This act of arson highlighted the volatile atmosphere that followed the violence.
To address the tension and prevent a total breakdown of law and order, the Area Commander personally intervened to address the aggrieved youths. Furthermore, the police command has deployed a joint security patrol consisting of police and military personnel to the area. This deployment aims to ensure the safety of lives and property while the investigation proceeds.
CSP Koko assured the public of the command's commitment to justice, stating that all individuals found culpable in the incident would be held accountable under the law. The community of Omoku now awaits the outcome of the police investigation as it seeks healing from the traumatic events of that morning.
