One person has been confirmed dead and eight others sustained gunshot injuries following a violent shooting incident during a masquerade event in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State.

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. along Sambo Street, Omoku, during a masquerade procession involving local youths.

According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, a confrontation broke out between a lawyer, identified as Akpudi Ikechukwu, four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS) and members of the masquerade group.

Iringe-Koko said the confrontation escalated into gunfire, leaving nine members of the masquerade group with gunshot wounds. One of the victims, identified simply as Obulo, was later confirmed dead at the hospital in Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.

She said the incident was formally reported to the Omoku Police Division at about 7:00 a.m. through credible sources, prompting immediate police action. She added that Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested in connection with the incident and have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Iringe-Koko said: “Preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and t o establish the level of involvement and culpability of all parties involved.”

Meanwhile, tension reportedly gripped the community in the aftermath of the incident as aggrieved youths expressed anger over the killing. To prevent a breakdown of law and order, Iringe-Koko said the area commander personally visited the place to engage community members and appeal for calm.

She said a joint security patrol comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Military has been deployed across Omoku and surrounding areas.

“The Rivers State Police Command reassures residents that the situation is under control and vows that justice will be served. The command assures members of the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing and that all those found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement said.