Gunmen have assassinated the former Chief Security Officer of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, Letam Kine.

Kine was reportedly shot dead along Polytechnic Road, Bori, in Khana LGA at about 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the assailants fled the scene before security operatives arrived.

According to her, the victim’s body has been deposited in a mortuary pending an autopsy, while the police have commenced an investigation into the killing.

“The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Agabe said.

She urged the deceased’s family to formally report the incident to the police to aid investigations and the administration of justice.

Agabe also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Thomas Bariere, condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence.

Bariere said Kine’s death was heartbreaking and noted that such violence had no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.

He also expressed concern that the incident occurred just weeks after the killing of Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community, calling for intensified efforts to bring perpetrators of violent crimes in the area to justice.