Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a lawyer in connection with a deadly shooting that erupted during a masquerade display in Omoku, located in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, left one person dead and eight others injured, police confirmed.
According to CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state command, the altercation occurred along Sambo Street at about 1:30 a.m. when a group of youths engaged in a masquerade procession reportedly clashed with Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service. The situation quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in multiple casualties among the masquerade group.
One victim, identified as Obulo, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Omoku, while eight others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and are receiving medical treatment, police said.
Following the shooting, police acted swiftly to apprehend Barrister Ikechukwu along with two other suspects believed to be linked to the incident. They are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Port Harcourt, where investigators are conducting a detailed probe to determine the exact sequence of events and the level of culpability of all involved.
In an effort to prevent a possible escalation of tensions in the community, senior police officials have engaged with aggrieved youths in Omoku, urging calm and restraint while security forces maintain order. In addition, a joint police and military patrol has been deployed in the area to secure lives and property as investigations continue.
The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that due process will be followed and that anyone found responsible for the violence, including unlawful use of firearms, will be brought to justice. Legal experts note that cultural events such as masquerade processions are deeply rooted in many Nigerian communities but must be conducted within the bounds of the law to ensure public safety.
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