In a startling turn of events, the private residence of Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was targeted in a late-night attack on Sunday, November 19, 2023. A group of armed thugs and rogue police officers, allegedly led by Superintendent of Police Irikefe London Owen and CSP Salihu Masalachi, from the CTU B 3 RSV, aimed to assassinate the Speaker and his family.
Despite the heavily armed assailants’ intentions, the Speaker’s official security detail fiercely repelled the attack, engaging the assailants in a heated gun battle. The security team’s swift and decisive action thwarted the assailants’ plan, ensuring the safety of the Speaker and his family.
Notably, the entire attack was captured by the residence’s CCTV system, providing crucial evidence of the incident. The captured footage is set to be shared with various media outlets, including CNN, Al Jazeera, and other national and international press, for documentation and scrutiny.
Furthermore, in response to this brazen attack, the Speaker is scheduled to hold a comprehensive World Press Conference on Monday, November 20, 2023. This address aims to shed light on the incident and provide detailed insights into the attempted assassination.
The aftermath of the attack has sparked outrage among the residents of Rivers State. Plans are underway for a significant public demonstration, symbolized by people of all ages, including children and the elderly, staging a protest in the streets. The protest aims to condemn the involvement of the Nigerian Police and any influential figures backing violence in Rivers State.
Concluding the statement, a strong message was sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating that any potential breakdown of law and order in Rivers State should hold the identified officers, the Rivers State Police Command, and their alleged sponsors accountable for any resultant chaos.
The incident has stirred significant public concern, drawing attention to the security situation in Rivers State and the imperative for a thorough investigation into the alleged attack on the Speaker’s residence.
