A clash during a masquerade display in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, left one person dead and eight others injured.

Residents told Daily Trust that the incident occurred while youths were masquerading along Sambo Street, where a confrontation reportedly broke out.

The clash occurred in the early hours of Monday during the masquerade procession. The cause of the confrontation had yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

During the disagreement, nine members of the masquerade group reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital, where one of them, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said some suspects have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

She said: “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026, along Sambo Street, Omoku, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.

“At about 0700hrs, a report was received at the Omoku Police Division through credible sources stating that at about 0130hrs, while some youths were masquerading along Sambo Street, a confrontation occurred involving one Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service (NFSS). During the incident, nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries.

“One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at the Hospital, Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.

“Following the incident, Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation. Preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of culpability of all parties involved.

“In the meantime, the Area Commander personally addressed aggrieved youths in the community to calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of law and order. A joint security patrol comprising the Police and the Military has been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice.” (Daily Trust)

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