The monarch of the Ancient Ahoada Kingdom, His Majesty King Noble Friday Uwoh, has condemned the killing of two security operatives in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State and established a committee to monitor activities of local vigilante in the area.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 23, 2025, when suspected cultists attacked the OSPAC vigilante structure, resulting in the deaths of a police officer, Corporal Francis Friday, and a vigilante member, Ngozi Ipah.

To investigate the incident and ensure justice is served, Uwoh has established a security committee led by retired Deputy Director-General of the DSS, Grace Kentebe.

The committee includes a serving Assistant Commissioner of Police and other reputable persons. The committee’s primary objective is to oversee the local vigilante and cooperate with state actors to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

Speaking in an interview, Uwoh, who is a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, described the attack as an act of cowardice and brutality, just as he emphasised that no individual or group has the right to disrupt the peace of their land through violence.

“This was not a random act. Preliminary intelligence has revealed that the attack was a deliberate reprisal by a known cult group from Ahoada West LGA, targeted against the OSPAC vigilante structure,” he said.

The Rivers State Police Command has also condemned the attack and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene and deployed tactical teams to the area.

He directed the Area Commander and DPO to intensify efforts to track down and arrest the perpetrators, saying, “The killers of our officer and the OSPAC member will not go unpunished. We will ensure justice is served.”

The monarch urged the people of Ahoada Kingdom to remain calm and vigilant and not take the law into their own hands.

“Revenge only empowers the enemies of our peace. I call on political leaders and actors within and outside the kingdom to be mindful of their words and actions. This is not the time to stoke division or tempers. The peace and security of our kingdom must come before all other interests,” he emphasised.

He stressed the need for unity and reflection during this time of grief and prayed for comfort and strength for the families of the fallen security operatives.

The monarch expressed solidarity with the families of the fallen security operatives, praying that God grants them comfort and strength in this trying time. “We mourn, but we remain hopeful. We grieve, but we are not broken,” he said, urging the people to remain calm and go about their lawful daily activities.