Gunmen suspected to be cultists have shot dead a member of a local security outfit simply identified as Prince, in the Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday night.

It was gathered that members of the vigilante group, the Onelga Security Planning Advisory Committee codenamed OSPAC had responded to a distress call abouta kidnapping in the area when they were ambushed by the gunmen who opened fire on them.

The bullet was said to have hit Prince, who is one of the vigilantes, resulting in his death, while the assailants fled with the speed of light.

A source who pleaded anonymity said the incident caused panic in the area as residents scampered for safety to avoid being hit by a stray bullet.

“From what we heard the OSPAC people rushed to where they said there was a kidnapping going on. So immediately they arrived at the place, some gunmen opened fire and one of their men was shot dead. That is all I can say,” the source added.

It was gathered that the body of the deceased had been evacuated and taken to an undisclosed mortuary.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident.

“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what happened and to ensure the culprits are apprehended and prosecuted,” she stated. (Courtesy, excluding headline, The PUNCH)