Gov. Wike Laments on Killing in Rivers State

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has directed that those who are behind the attack on security personnel in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State should be fished out and brought to justice.

Gunmen on Monday morning had attacked a security formation camp at Abua, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, in the state killing five officers.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had reported that three of its personnel were killed in the attack which was carried out along Omagwa/Isiokpo/Elele Owerri Road also in the state.

Governor Wike who spoke in a statement noted that there is no reason to cover for such a heinous attack targeted against innocent security personnel on legitimate duty.

“The Government of Rivers State is saddened by the unwarranted callous attack on security personnel. We offer our sympathies to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the attack.

“We condemn this heinous act, share the grief of the security agencies and convey our sincere condolences,” the statement signed by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri read in part.

Wike also charged the security agencies to be vigilant while performing their duty adding that the Rivers State Government and its citizens will continue to stand in solidarity with security agencies at a time like this.

However, as at the time of filing this report, the sixth Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt had not released any official statement, but two top security personnel in Rivers State had confirmed the attack and killings to newsmen.

Meanwhile, Monday’s attack came barely 24 hours after gunmen had earlier killed some police and customs officers at their patrol base in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government, along  Port Harcourt-Owerri road.

While the Police are yet to reveal the casualty figure for Saturday night’s attack in Isiokpo, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had reported that three of its personnel were killed by the gunmen.

Mr. Jerry Atta, the spokesperson for Zone C, Custom’s Federal Operations Unit, intimated newsmen on Sunday that the gunmen also went away with an AK-47 rifle and two Toyota Hilux vans which belong to the service.

He blamed  armed smugglers  for being responsible for the killing of the security operatives, stating that their businesses have been frustrated by customs in recent times.