The police command in Rivers has commenced an investigation into the brutal murder of a father and son at their family residence in the Igwuruta-Ali community of the state.

The older victim, identified as Mr Timothy, 59, the chief security officer (CSO) of Adokiye Amieseimeka International Stadium, Omagwa, was killed alongside his son by suspected assassins.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

According to Ms Iringe-Koko, the incident was reported by the deceased’s daughter to the Igwuruta Division in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

“She informed officers that four unknown gunmen ambushed her father and brother, shooting them multiple times in the head before fleeing the scene,” Ms Iringe-Koko said.

She said that following the report, officers were mobilised to the scene, and they recovered three expended AK-47 cartridges.

“The victims were rushed to the hospital but, unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries and were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” she noted.

The police image maker said that the commissioner of police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators, directing officers to ensure they were apprehended and brought to justice.

In a separate development, Ms Iringe-Koko disclosed the arrest of a two-man syndicate specialising in the theft of solar panel streetlights and manhole covers in the state.

She said the suspects were reportedly caught while attempting to steal NDDC-installed streetlights along Danjuma Drive, off Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout in Port Harcourt.

“The suspects, Shaibu Yusuf, 30, and Ibrahim Abubakar, 28, are residents of the Okuru scrap dump in the Abuloma community in Port Harcourt,” Ms Iringe-Koko stated.

Items seized by the police operatives included solar light poles, solar light panels, bolts and nuts for the panels, and a knife.

“The suspects have confessed to being part of a syndicate responsible for vandalising and stealing streetlights and manhole covers in the state,” Ms Iringo-Koko added.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

(NAN)