Lawyer arrested over killing at masquerade display in Rivers

By Desmond Ejibas

A lawyer identified as Akpudi Ikechukwu and two others have been arrested after a shooting incident that claimed one life with eight others injured during a masquerade display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Jan. 19 during a masquerade display by youths along Sambo Street, Omoku, Rivers Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Iringe-Koko confirmed that incident claimed one life, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries.

According to her, the youths who were involved in the masquerade reportedly clashed with Ikechukwu, and four officials of the Nigeria Forest Guards.

The Rivers Police spokesperson added that the altercation escalated, resulting in gunshots being fired.

She said nine masquerade participants sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

“The victim, Obulo, was confirmed dead at the hospital, while eight injured persons are receiving treatment.

“Ikechukwu and two others were arrested and transferred to the State CID for detailed investigation,” Iringe-Koko said.

She said police had engaged aggrieved youths to calm tensions, while a joint police-military patrol was deployed to maintain peace. (NAN)