Gunmen kill ex-security chief in Rivers

The Rivers State Police command has confirmed the killing of former Chief Security Officer of Khana Local Government Area, Letam Kine.

Kine was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen along Polytechnic Road, Bori, Khana LGA, around 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Agabe said the assailants fled the scene before security operatives arrived, while the victim’s body was deposited in a mortuary.

She said the body would be preserved pending autopsy, as police launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

Agabe urged Kine’s family to formally report the incident to the police to facilitate investigations and the administration of justice.

“Reporting the matter to the police will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice,” she added.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those connected with the killing.

Reacting to the incident, Khana Local Government Chairman, Chief Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack as a senseless act of violence.

Bariere described Kine’s murder as heartbreaking, saying such violence had no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.

He expressed concern that the killing occurred weeks after Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community was also murdered.

“The repeated attacks suggest the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine peace and security in Khana LGA,” he said.

The chairman called on security agencies to intensify operations across Khana and swiftly apprehend those responsible for the attacks.

He urged the prosecution of all suspects found culpable, while extending condolences to Kine’s family over the loss.

Bariere prayed for strength for the bereaved family to cope with the tragedy and urged residents to remain calm.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information.

The chairman reaffirmed that protecting lives and property remained a top priority of his administration.

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