Gunmen kill two, injure others in Rivers community

• Its fallout of gang clash, say police
No fewer than two persons have been reported killed and others injured by suspected cultists at Luubara Community in Khana Council of Rivers State.

The Guardian learnt that gunmen invaded the community during a masquerade dance. They started shooting sporadically and as a result bullets hit four persons, who were drinking in a bar close to the scene.

It was also learnt that two of the victims died immediately, while the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bori arrived and took the injured victims to a hospital for treatment.

A resident of the community, Nwibani Barry, who confirmed the incident, said: “We were having a masquarede dance on Tuesday night when gunmen invaded our community about 8:00p.m. and started shooting. Their bullets hit two persons, who died on the spot, while others sustained injuries.”

Nwibani identified the deceased as Timothy Baridapdo and Bariyaa, adding that two ladies whose names are yet to be ascertained are receiving treatment at the hospital.

The eyewitness, who expressed shock over the development, described Luubara as ‘a peaceful community’ wondering why the mayhem befell them.

Nwibani, however, urged security agencies to assist the community to restore peace and normalcy.

Another community source disclosed that the gunmen were members of a cult group in search of their rivals.

It was also learnt that Timothy was a notorious gang leader, who had been indicted for several attacks in the community.

When contacted, spokesman of Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed that the incident was a cult clash between two rival groups in the area.

“It was a cult clash between two rival groups leading to the death of Bariya Timothy, a notorious gang leader, whose gang has been responsible for the attacks in Lubara Community and its environs.

“No arrests have been made, but all hands are on deck to arrest members of the cult groups. The community is peaceful and the area under close monitoring,” he stated.