The police command in Rivers has confirmed the arrest of a lawyer after a shooting during a masqueraders’ display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

She said the incident claimed one life, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries.

Ms Iringe-Koko said the incident occurred on Monday during a masqueraders’ display by youths along Sambo Street, Omoku.

“The youths reportedly clashed with a lawyer, Mr Akpudi Ikechukwu, and four officials of the Nigeria Forest Guards,” she said.

She added that the altercation escalated, resulting in gunshots being fired.

According to her, nine masquerade participants sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

“The victim, Obulo, was confirmed dead at the hospital, while eight injured persons are receiving treatment. Ikechukwu and two others were arrested and transferred to the State CID for detailed investigation,” Mr Iringe-Koko said.

She said police had engaged aggrieved youths to calm tensions, while a joint police-military patrol was deployed to maintain peace.

(NAN)