The Rivers State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, was yesterday, shut down, following the killing of two private security guards attached to the complex by unknown gunmen.
Two other security guards also sustained various degrees of injuries from the attackers, and are in critical condition, in an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
Our reporter, who visited the scene of the incident, reports that court proceedings and other social activities at the ever busy complex have been temporally shut down as the area has been deserted by lawyers, judiciary workers, and litigants following the incident.
The court premises have been cordoned off by security personnel from the State Police Command.
The Tide learnt that the incident occurred at about 3am yesterday morning.
A source, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said the assailants gained access into the court premises through the back gate, adding that security guards killed belonged to a private security company contracted by the management of the State judiciary to take charge of security in the area.
The source further told our reporter that the unidentified gunmen killed their victims with dangerous weapons including knifes and axes, adding that there was no shooting at the complex.
The Tide also learnt that the incident may not be unconnected with the fresh move by the Police authorities to arraign the alleged killer of late Soboma George.
The Tide further learnt that the trial was to commence at the High Court yesterday before the incident took place.
It was learnt that the gates leading in to the judiciary premises have been under lock and key as at the time of filling this report.
Speaking to journalists at the Judiciary Complex, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the State Judiciary, Mr. Daburubo Douglas, described the incident as barbaric and unfortunate, adding that the incident was occurring when the judiciary was preparing for its law week.
Douglas said there was no shooting within and around the Judiciary Complex, adding that the assailants killed the victims with knife, axe and hard weapons.
‘The incident occurred at 3am, they killed two security guards, and injured two and the two others are responding to treatment in hospital,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) in the State, Mr. George Sokari, said, “we heard the unfortunate incident this morning and rushed to verify the situation”, adding that workers were not allowed into the premises because the police are still securing the area to guarantee their security.
“They will come in when the area is safe, we cannot comment further until Police comes out with their investigation”, he stated.
In his reaction, the acting Chairman, Care-taker Committee, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt branch, Chief Akuro George, while condemning the act, described it as dehumanizing:
“It is a disturbing and unwholesome situation, it will be quick to attribute it as politically-motivated act, we believe and have confidence in the Police to unravel the matter”.
The State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Mohammed, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation has begun into the matter.
The Police Spokes person said the Police would inform the public accordingly when it concludes its findings, adding that the Police swung into action when they got the information.