Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A politician and community mobiliser in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Samuel Obe Ngobe, has been shot dead when gunmen invaded his hotel in what residents suspect was a coordinated assassination.
The attack reportedly occurred on May 22, 2026, when two masked men riding on a motorcycle stormed the hotel premises and opened fire on the victim at close range.
Sources in the community said the assailants headed directly for Ngobe immediately after arriving at the hotel, suggesting he may have been specifically targeted.
Residents further alleged that the attackers seized mobile phones belonging to hotel workers and other persons at the scene to prevent them from raising an alarm or contacting security operatives during the operation.
The killing has heightened tension within the community, with residents expressing fear over the growing pattern of violent attacks and targeted killings in parts of the state.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” the police spokesperson stated.
Security operatives are yet to announce any arrests in connection with the attack as efforts continue to identify and apprehend the gunmen.
