Residents of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, have been thrown into fear following the killing of a former Chief Security Officer of the council, Letam Kine, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Sunday evening.
The attack occurred along Polytechnic Road in Bori, forcing residents and business owners to flee as gunshots rang out. Witnesses said the attackers escaped into nearby bushes before security operatives arrived.
While some residents alleged that suspected cultists were responsible, the police have not confirmed the motive behind the killing, saying investigations are ongoing.
An eyewitness said commercial activities were temporarily suspended as shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses, adding that many residents, particularly students of the nearby Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, remained fearful after the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Khana Local Government Chairman Dr. Thomas Bariere described the killing as a senseless act of violence and condemned those responsible.
He noted that the murder came only weeks after another deadly attack in Kpong Community and warned that recurring incidents suggested the activities of armed criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the area.
Bariere called on security agencies to intensify operations across the local government area, carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
He also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting efforts to improve security in Khana.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the victim’s body had been deposited in a morgue while investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe said officers had increased patrols in the area and were working to apprehend the attackers.
The killing has heightened concerns over security in Bori and surrounding communities, with residents calling for stronger measures to curb violent crimes and restore public confidence.
