Cultists kill youth leader, aide in Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed the President of the Omoku Youth Federation, Ifeanyi Azuazu, and his personal aide, Chigozie Oluwu, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The attack occurred around 6 p.m. on Thursday at a popular drinking spot along Ogolo Street, off Palace Road in Omoku town. Witnesses said about seven armed men arrived in two vehicles and confronted the youth leader.

According to sources, the assailants attempted to force Azuazu into one of the vehicles. His aide, Oluwu, tried to intervene but was shot dead at the scene. The gunmen then abducted Azuazu and fled, sparking panic as residents and business owners hurriedly sought safety.

Security personnel, supported by local youths, later evacuated Oluwu’s body.

On Friday, a local vigilante group discovered Azuazu’s body in a nearby bush.

The killings were confirmed by the ONELGA Security and Planning Advisory Committee (OSPAC). Its spokesperson, Godnews Nkem, said Oluwu was shot before Azuazu was taken away, adding that the youth leader’s body was later recovered during security operations.

He urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.

The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the attack, describing it as cult-related. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.