“They came with boats at night” — Residents flee as community alleges reprisal attack
By Sandra Kenneth
EMOHUA — At least six people have been confirmed dead following an attack by gunmen on Rumuodogo 2 community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident occurred late Sunday night and has left the community in mourning and fear.
Casualties and Destruction
The Youth President of Rumuodogo 1 & 2, Progress Ohiege, confirmed the attack to the Exceed FM correspondent. According to Ohiege: 6 persons confirmed dead 7+ residents sustained bullet wounds 18 houses set ablaze during the assault Many residents have fled their homes for safety “At the time of reporting, the bodies of the victims remain in the community,” Ohiege said.
Alleged Motive: Land/Community Dispute
Ohiege alleged that the attackers came from a neighboring community in Degema LGA. He said the assault stems from an ongoing dispute. “The Oboma people accused us of killing two of their people in a river. An investigation is still ongoing, and our people were not responsible for that action. We have denied the allegations,” he stated.
The youth leader warned of further escalation if the situation is not addressed, saying the attackers “must explain their actions or risk a more severe reprisal.”
Eyewitness Account
Monica, wife of one of the deceased, narrated the horrifying attack in tears: “Last night me and my husband we dey inside see a group of boys wey carry flying boats them come knock the door. Open the door, me and my husband been dey inside, them beat my husband, shoot am gun.”
She added that she was dragged out of the house naked and could not recognize any of the men. “Them say the thing wey happen for the community naim them come revenge, say their people die for river so them go revenge.”
Security Response
As of the time of filing this report, local leaders have yet to formally report the incident to the Nigerian Police Force or other security agencies.
Exceed FM calls on security agencies to immediately deploy to Rumuodogo to restore order and prevent further reprisals.
