Iruoma Okpalaebubu
Rivers State Police Command said it has arrested one person allegedly involved in the brutal violence that occured in Elele town, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It would be recalled that a video was trending on the social media, where a man claimed that over 14 persons were injured in the violent attack.
The trending man in the viral video also claimed that the incident was allegedly perpetrated by a local security outfit in the area loyal to a prominent politician in the state.
Meanwhile the state police command has confirmed the incident.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko stated “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a violent attack at Elele Roundabout on the morning of March 5, 2025, at about 7 am.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the unlawful assembly of suspected hoodlums at the location, a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), swiftly mobilized to the scene to restore order.
“During an attempt to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant, hiding within the vicinity, opened fire resulting in multiple injuries. As at press time, the number of those injured stood at four.”
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the armed hoodlums fled the scene immediately, but one of them was apprehended, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from him.
She also stated that the injured victims were promptly rushed to various hospitals in Elele for medical attention.
According to the PPRO, “A manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects, some of whom have been identified as members of the local vigilante group known as OSPAC. The arrested suspect, along with the recovered firearm, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for further investigation”.
She assured that the State Police Command will apprehend all perpetrators involved in the criminal act and brought to justice.
However, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, called on residents of the area and the state at large to remain calm and provide any useful information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.