Scores of people have reportedly lost their lives in Omoku, Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State following a clash between youths and some security agents.
According to an eyewitness, trouble started last week following disagreement over a purported Petroleum
Industry Act, issue involving Oando company and alleged mishandling of community funds by the king of Ogbaland.
It was gathered that the development prompted some youths to challenge the monarch and his chiefs.
However, during a meeting of the youths, some security personnel and OSPAC members reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire.
Two youths were said to have been killed in the attack
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In a reprisal, the youths were said to have mobilized in their large numbers and attacked the OSPAC commander in Omoku as well as some chiefs loyal to the traditional ruler.
The attack also reportedly extended to persons at beer parlours and some private homes, leaving unspecified number of people dead, while business places and markets have been forced to close down.
A distress message dropped by the eyewitness read: “I was in Omoku earlier today, but my family and I had to run for our safety and we have just arrived Obrikom, a neighboring community. Getting transport out of Omoku today was very difficult.
“Please remember us and everyone at Omoku in your prayers.”
A video accompanying the message had some people lying dead in the pool of their own blood.
The state police command had yet to react to the incident as at the time of this report.
