Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A former Chief Security Officer of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, Letam Kine, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen.
Kine was killed on Sunday evening along Polytechnic Road in Bori, an incident that triggered fear among residents and disrupted commercial activities in the area.
Witnesses said the attackers opened fire on the victim before fleeing the scene. Residents and passers-by reportedly ran for safety after hearing gunshots, while Kine’s lifeless body was later discovered.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many residents believed the assailants were cultists.
“As a result of the incident, social and business activities were immediately halted, with shop owners hurriedly closing their businesses.
“As I speak with you, activities have resumed, unlike last night, but people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was carried out by cultists.
“Policemen came, but it was too late because the assailants had fled the scene.”
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing and described it as a senseless act of violence.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society,” he said in a statement issued through the Director of Press and Public Communications in Khana LGA, Barry Neemana.
Bariere noted that the killing occurred only weeks after the murder of Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, warning that the repeated attacks suggested the activities of armed criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the area.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations across Khana, conduct a thorough investigation into Kine’s death and ensure that all those involved are arrested and prosecuted.
The council chairman also extended condolences to the deceased’s family and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring justice.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the victim’s body had been deposited in a morgue.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. Our men are there, patrols are ongoing in the area, and an investigation is underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators,” Agabe said.
