In a harrowing incident, the newly appointed Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt as gunmen attacked his private residence at approximately 11 pm on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
The armed assailants, identified as armed thugs and rogue police officers led by SP. Irikefe London Owen and CSP Salihu Masalachi, launched a brazen assault with the intent to assassinate the Speaker and his family. The attack triggered a fierce gun battle with the official security details assigned to Speaker Ehie, who valiantly repelled the assailants.
CCTV footage from the residence captured the entire incident, providing crucial evidence that will be shared with media outlets, including international platforms such as CNN and Al Jazeera. The Speaker is scheduled to address a World Press Conference on Monday, November 20, 2023, shedding light on the details surrounding the attack and the implications for the security situation in Rivers State.
The statement issued by Ken Uchendu, Legislative Correspondent for the Rivers State House of Assembly, conveyed a strong message of resistance from the people of Rivers State. It warned of a potential mass protest, with individuals of all demographics, including the elderly, expressing their discontent against the Nigerian Police and those suspected of sponsoring violence in the state.
Furthermore, the statement explicitly held responsible SP. Irikefe London Owen, CSP Salihu Masalachi, the Rivers State Police Command, and their alleged sponsors in Rivers State for any potential breakdown of law and order in the state. The final note of thanks was extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should such a situation arise.
As investigations unfold, this incident raises concerns about the security landscape in Rivers State and the safety of its political leaders. The coming press conference is anticipated to provide more insights into the circumstances surrounding this alarming attack.
