By SUNTV Global Channel | Updated January 20, 2026
A cultural celebration in Rivers State ended in tragedy after a late-night shooting claimed one life and left eight others injured in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday along Sambo Street, Omoku. According to police reports, the shooting broke out around 1:30 a.m. during a masquerade procession by youths in the community.
Police sources revealed that a confrontation ensued between the masquerading youths and Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu, who was in the company of four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service. The disagreement reportedly escalated, leading to gunfire that left nine members of the masquerade group with gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was later pronounced dead at the Omoku General Hospital. The remaining eight injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.
In response to the incident, police arrested Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects. They have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.
The Rivers State Police Command stated that preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and to determine the level of responsibility of all parties involved.
To prevent further unrest, the Area Commander has engaged aggrieved youths in the community, while a joint security patrol involving police and military personnel has been deployed to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
The police have assured residents that justice will be served, stressing that anyone found culpable in the deadly incident will be held fully accountable under the law.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as the investigation unfolds.
