The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the former Chief Security Officer of Khana Local Government Area, Letam Kine, by unidentified gunmen.
Kine was reportedly shot dead along Polytechnic Road in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, at about 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the attackers fled the scene before security operatives arrived.
She said the victim’s body had been deposited in a mortuary pending an autopsy, while investigations were underway to determine 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, Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
Bariere said Kine’s murder was heartbreaking and stressed that such violence had no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.
He also expressed concern that the killing came just weeks after the murder of Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community.
“The repeated attacks suggest the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine peace and security in Khana LGA,” he said.
The council 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, extended condolences to Kine’s family and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.
Bariere also urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information.
He reaffirmed that protecting lives and property remained a top priority of his administration.
