There is tension in Rivers State as some unknown gunmen reportedly shot the Director for Youths Mobilization Officer, Atiku/Okowa campaign team in the state, Rhino Owhorkire.
The mobiliser was shot by suspected political thugs on his way to his house in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday night.
Recall that the politician was reportedly kidnapped recently and forced to denounce his support for Atiku.
A video that surfaced online in November, showed Owhorkire in a cave-like location denouncing support for Atiku under duress.
In the said video, he was surrounded by some persons who were guarding his utterances, even as he was visibly frightened.
According to a source, the politician’s vehicle tyres were first shot at before the assailants shot in his direction through the windscreen.
The source, who spoke on Thursday, pleaded anonymity for fear of being identified.
He continued that Owhorkire was in pain and currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
READ ALSO: Police Parade Seven Suspected Burglars In Ekiti
According to him, “He is a native of Aluu. He was driving to his house yesterday night and was shot by some unknown persons.
“They shot the tires of his car, shot directly at his windscreen and that is how he received those injuries on his mouth. His mouth was scattered.
“As I speak with you, he is in serious pain. His mouth is scattered. But he is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.”
On the shooting incident, another viral video that surfaced on the internet showed Owhorkire with tick blood dripping heavily from his injured mouth.
In the video, Owhorkire’s lips look battered with blood, while his nose and the spot above his upper lip were swollen, as he muttered some words repeatedly and tried to hold his lips with his hands.
“I am dying. They shot me now. I am dying, they have shot me,” he said in the about six-minute video.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation has commenced.
“Yes, it happened. I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer in that area. We are working to get the details, but I can tell you that investigation has commenced.
“We will get to the root of the matter and fish out those behind the attack and ensure they face justice,” Iringe-Koko said.