Mkpoikana Udoma
21 November 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — At least six suspected militants is believed to have been shot dead in the early hours of Monday by security operatives in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State during a joint operation in the area.
Unconfirmed reports had it that a notorious gang leader called Don Wanny was among those gunned down by the security operatives during a joint onslaught on the camp of the gang in the state.
Although his remains are yet to be found, Don Wanny and six other suspects killed in the combined security onslaught in ONELGA, are allegedly members of the dreaded criminal gang terrorising Omoku, Ahoada and Emohua axis of the East-West Road and its environs.
The suspects according to security sources, masterminded the abduction of oil workers under the employ of Nestoil Limited, who were kidnapped in September last year along the Emouha section of the EastWest road while returning from an oil field in Omoku.
It was gathered that the security operatives after the gun duel had invaded Omoku resident of the militant leader and found ten human skulls, military camouflage, two bags of marijuana, 11 AK49 rifles and other items.
The security raid may not be unconnected to the killing of over three members of the ONELGA local vigilante, known as Security Planning and Advisory Committee, OSPAC, a security outfit set up by the authority of the local government council to assist in tackling insecurity in the area.
“Gunmen believed to be Don Wanny and his gang had on Saturday stormed Okposi and Omoku communities killing three OSPAC members and one other person, causing panic in the area that is yet to survive the cult crisis.
“So on Monday, security operatives made up of the Police, Army, Department for State Security, Joint Military Task Force, and OSPAC, invaded the camp of the notorious gang and killed the number of persons, while others fled,” a source said.
When contacted to confirm the killing of Don Wanny, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said information available to him on the incident was sketchy, adding that a formal statement would be released when more details are gathered.
It will be recalled that Don Wanny and his gang had surrendered their arms to the state government, last year, during the state amnesty programme for cultists and criminal gangs in the state.
