Rivers
One Dead, 8 Injured In Omoku As Masquerade Display Turns Bloody
One person has been confirmed dead and eight injured in Omoku, the Headquarters of Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area.
This followed a shootout between masquerade dancers and personnel of the Nigererian Forest Guide Security Service (NFSS).
A statement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Police had started full scale investigation into the shooting incident.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, at Sambo Street, Omoku, and resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
The statement listed one Akpudi Ikechukwu, a lawyer, and some personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS) as the suspects.
“One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead in the Hospital in Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility”, the statement said.
It further revealed tha about three of the suspects, including Ikechukwu, have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.
Preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of culpability of all parties involved, the statement hinted.
“In the meantime, the Area Commander personally addressed aggrieved youths in the community to calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order. A joint security patrol comprising the Police and the Military has been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of lives and property”, it further stated.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice.
King Onunwor