Lorine Emenike
Gunmen, on Thursday, continued their coordinated assault on Taabaa community in the Nyo-Khana Kingdom, Khana local government in Rivers.
This is despite assurance by the police command in Rivers State that the command has dispatched men to the troubled communities.
Gunmen on Tuesday killed at 15 persons in Okwale community while houses and three cars were burnt.
On Wednesday, gunmen invaded Taabaa community, killing at least five persons while houses belonging to the traditional ruler of the community and the community’s youth leader were burnt.
The carnage on Wednesday also extended to Lorre and Nyokana communities where the country home of the president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Lergbosi Pyagbara was allegedly burnt.
Barisee, an indigene of the community who spoke to theportcitynews correspondent said four persons were feared dead in the renewed attack.
He also said several houses were burnt by the suspected cultist in Taabaa community on Thursday, bringing the numbers of those killed in the attacks in the community to nine.
It was also gathered that the paramount ruler of Taabaa MSK NULE on hearing the attack at Okwale on Tuesday, called a meeting of chiefs in the community.
However, the gunmen raided his community, and upon sighting them, the traditional ruler escaped with his family. The gunmen in annoyance set his palace ablaze.
When contacted, the police public relation officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident.
He said: “I have been told about the attack in Taabaa and the Palace of the Traditional Ruler.
“Unknown gunmen later identified as cult members invaded the community and carried out some kind of reprisal attacks on their perceived enemy.
“The commissioner of police has ordered for a serious investigation into it, we understand that some persons are feared dead.
“The police have not taken an accurate figure or number of people who died in the incident. But we can confirm that some persons were shot dead.
“We have equally mobilized our men to curtail the situation and minimize the casualty rate. Officers have been stationed there and have curtailed the situation. Those that fled the community are asked to return and go about their business as peace has been restored”.
