By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT—FIVE persons were reportedly killed, yesterday, morning around Kpopie junction in Gokhana Local Government Area of Rivers State as gunmen opened fire on a passenger vehicle.

A source said the border crisis between two communities, Deeyor and Deeken, could have been responsible for the incident.

The source said: “This morning (yesterday), around 6a.m., suspected fighters from one of the communities allegedly opened gunfire on a commercial bus travelling through the Kpogie junction, killing five passengers and injuring others.

“Deeken and Deeyor villages have been at war over a border land around Kpopie junction.”

Vanguard could not reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, for comment as text messages sent to his mobile phone were not replied at press time.

Meanwhile, some residents of Port Harcourt have urged the incoming government of Mr. Nyesom Wike to give special attention to security of lives and property.

They flayed incidents of cult-related killings in the state, saying urgent steps should be taken to address the issue.

Police statement

Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of six persons shot dead yesterday in Kpogie junction by gunmen suspected to be from Deeken in the local government area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Muhammed, said those who fired the shots were on a motorbike.

He said: “Unidentified gunmen on motorcycles, suspected to be from Deeken, openned fire on some people at Kpopie junction, who happened to be from Deeyor, killing six persons.

“The attack may not be unconnected to the protracted land dispute between the two communities. The Commissioner of Police has already drafted additional policemen to the area to prevent further escalation of the violence between the communities and as well hunt for the culprits.”