In a violent attack allegedly carried out by suspected cultists, a member of the ONELGA Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) was killed in the Obele community of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Wednesday night. The assailants, believed to be associated with a man known as “Naked,” also torched the house of former councillor Chigozie Woka and wounded four other residents with gunfire.

One of the survivors, Eze, recounted how he and his brother were caught in the assault. “I stood up to check who they were and saw boys working for a man called ‘Naked’ with guns. I told my brother to run, but as we fled, they shot at us,” Eze explained. He has since been unable to locate his brother and suspects the attackers accused them of collaborating with security agencies.

Former Councillor Chigozie Woka, whose home was burned down in the incident, accused “Naked” of masterminding the attack. Woka claims that “Naked,” originally from the nearby Ibaa community, has been targeting residents who he believes are cooperating with law enforcement. “He called me recently, accusing me of working with security agencies to chase him out,” Woka said, noting that he was informed on Sunday that “Naked” and his group had raided his house, setting it on fire.

In response to the allegations, Achor Egberuwho, the acting Youth Chairman of Omuobu village in Ibaa, denied the claims against “Naked” and instead accused Woka of instigating attacks against him. Egberuwho asserted that Woka led a group to attack “Naked,” stating, “If not for the grace of God, ‘Naked’ would have been killed.”

The incident has been reported to the Rumuji Police Division, with police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirming the fatality and the destruction of Woka’s home. She stated, “Yes, I can confirm that one person was killed and a house destroyed. Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits,” though she did not yet have details on the four others injured.

The escalating violence and accusations have highlighted ongoing tensions within the community, with law enforcement now investigating the circumstances behind the fatal attack and property destruction.