Gunmen shoot technician dead in Rivers
Gunmen suspected to be cultists have shot dead an automobile technician identified as John Okon in the Abakiliki/Nanka area of Mile 1 in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State the incident occurred around 8.55pm on Tuesday when Okon was discussing with a lady in his car.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent that while the technician and his female company were still in the vehicle, about three gunmen arrived at the scene, shot him in the head and fled.
The source disclosed that one of the assailants returned to the scene to confirm if their victim was dead.
“When that happened, there was confusion and serious panic in the area. People living there and passersby took to their heels,” he said.
Speaking on the incident, the commander of a local vigilante group, Prince Amatari, said the victim was killed in a red Golf car.
Amatari, who is the Commander, Diobu Security Service, disclosed that the technician was in the car at Abakiliki by Nanka around 9pm when the assailants attacked him.
He said, “Information available to us shows that John Okon is a mechanic whose workshop is at Illabuchi, while he resides at Iwofe.
“He was with a lady in the car when he was shot. The place where he was shot has been his usual spot with the lady. The lady ran after he was shot.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said, “I can confirm the incident and investigation is ongoing to apprehend the suspects and make them face justice.
“Already, the state Commissioner of Police has ordered a security beef up in the area as well as a thorough investigation.”
In a related development, gunmen were said to have on Tuesday shot one Rowland Asiru dead and his car stolen in the D/Line area of Port Harcourt.
It was gathered that Asuru, a car dealer, hailed from the Ogbakiri community in Emohua LGA of the state.
A source said the assailants intercepted Asuru’s car on Tuesday night, dragged him out of the car and shot him dead.
He said passersby rushed him to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
