Gunmen suspected to be cultists have shot and killed a young man simply identified as Akpan, in the Rumukalabo area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
It was gathered that the man popularly known as Fregene was on his way home after watching a football match on Wednesday night when the gunmen who had been trailing him attacked.
Our correspondent further learnt that the gunmen shot Fregene twice in the neck at close range, and immediately fled the scene, leaving him in a pool of his blood.
A resident who pleaded anonymity said, “The man, Akpan’s body was just there on the ground after the cult boys left. Nobody could do anything because we don’t have guns like these boys.
“So, there was confusion in the area, even people living around ran away. The place that used to be very peaceful became something else. People were running helter-skelter to save themselves.”
On Thursday morning, residents and passers-by were seen near the scene of the incident discussing the issue, as some residents expressed fear that the police might carry out a mass arrest, while others called for a proper investigation to unmask the culprits and bring them to book.
It was gathered that Akpan hailed from Akwa Ibom State, but had been residing in Port Harcourt for some years.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would find out from the police division near the area and give our report feedback.
She had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report on Thursday night. (Punch)