Gunmen Kill Two Aides of Rivers Local Government Chairman

Unidentified gunmen have killed two aides to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Thomas Bariere.

The victims, identified as Philip Barikui, a protocol aide, and Barikpe Barimamma, were attacked on Monday in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people.

Barikui reportedly died at the scene, while Barimamma was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

The incident comes less than a month after the chairman’s former Chief Security Officer, Letam Kiine, was also killed in Bori.

Following the latest killings, Chairman Bariere visited the scene and the families of the victims. He expressed sadness over the deaths and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Bariere described Barikui as someone with whom he had developed a close relationship and said the killings were deeply painful.

He also appealed for divine intervention and called on security agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said an investigation had commenced and that further findings would be made public.

The killings have reportedly heightened tension and fear in parts of Bori and Khana Local Government Area.