At least, seven persons were last Saturday, shot dead while many others were severely wounded by unknown gunmen during the burial of late Mercy Eli at Ihuaje community in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gunmen, suspected to be cultists, invaded the house of one Elder Nwomah, at 12:13 am on the fateful day, but could not see him or his son.
They swiftly released several gun shots, which led to the death of the unsuspecting guests in the compound.
Those killed at the mid-night attack include, Ukame Diegwe, Believe Diegwu, Meketu Diegwu, and Izuma Orludo–Abali all from Odhiougbokor community in Ahoada-West L.G.A.
Others are Temple Mawo, Bobo Uchendu, an indigene of Ihuaje, and a popular DJ, whose name and address still remain unknown as at press time.
Narrating the unfortunate incident, an eyewitness said one of the Elder Nwomah’s sons had disagreed with a member of the dreaded Greenlander group, who had attacked him with machetes during the wake-keep, but no blood was shed.
The armed men, according to the community source, later stormed the burial place at odd hour, killing seven young men and wounding others.
It was gathered that after committing the atrocity, the gunmen escaped unhurt with their motorcycles through the Omoku Road.
Impeccable sources told The Tide that those severely wounded are now receiving medical attention at undisclosed hospitals.
The sources disclosed that three among those killed were sons of Chief Diegwu Abali and Izuma, who accompanied them to the burial of their grandmother.
The chief was said to have gone to Ihuaje community for the burial ceremony of his mother-in-law before his sons met their untimely death.
When contacted, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), declined to comment on the incident, but rather referred our reporter to the police public relations officer in Port Harcourt, for confirmation.
However, security operatives attached to Ahoada Area Command, who corroborated the incident, confirmed that men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have swung into action to fish out the culprits from their hide-out, and allow the law take its full course.

Emenike Benson Agimo