Gunmen Kill Ex-Rivers LG Chief Security Officer

Gunmen have shot and killed Mr Letam Kine, a former Chief Security Officer of Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

An eyewitness told journalists on Monday that the attack threw the area into panic as residents and passers-by fled for safety after hearing gunshots. The victim’s lifeless body was later discovered.

The attack occurred on Sunday evening along Polytechnic Road in Bori, with residents suspecting that the assailants were cultists.

It was gathered that the gunmen opened fire on Kine before fleeing into nearby bushes, leaving him dead at the scene.

Bori is home to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, named after the late playwright and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, with the institution’s large student population contributing significantly to the community.

The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, said business and social activities were temporarily brought to a halt.

“As a result of the incident, social and business activities were immediately halted, with shop owners hurriedly closing their businesses.

“As I speak with you, activities have resumed, unlike last night, but people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was carried out by cultists.

“Policemen came, but it was too late because the assailants had fled the scene,” the source said.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Communications in Khana LGA, Barry Neemana, Bariere described Kine’s murder as heartbreaking, stressing that such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.

He also expressed concern that the killing came barely weeks after the murder of Mr Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, warning that the repeated attacks point to the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.

“The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr Thomas Bariere, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mr Letam Kine, also known as Langa, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.

“He expressed deep concern that the killing comes barely weeks after the tragic murder of Mr. Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, noting that the repeated attacks point to the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.

“Dr. Bariere called on all security agencies to intensify their operations across the Local Government Area and ensure that those behind these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice.

“He urged law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the murder of Mr. Letam Kine, arrest everyone connected to the crime, and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

The council chairman also extended his condolences to Kine’s family and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and the lives of residents are protected.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the deceased’s body had been deposited in a morgue.

“Yes, I can confirm the incident. Our men are there, patrols are ongoing in the area, and an investigation is underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators,” Agabe said.