Unidentified gunmen went on the rampage in Rivers State on Monday morning, killing 21 people.
Also in Adamawa State, many people were feared killed in a road bomb attack by Boko Haram elements.
The killing in Rivers State, after the New Year cross overnight service, took place in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, lamented the killing.
While sympathising with the families of the deceased, he said it was another set of deaths too many in a local government area that was held hostage by cult groups claiming supremacy and allegedly enjoying support from some politicians.
He regretted that while other parts of the state were in celebratory mood, the people of ONELGA were mourning the passing away of their beloved in the most gruesome manner.
“My heart goes the people of ONELGA and the immediate families of the deceased. This is an act that must be condemned. The good people of Omoku have suffered enough and this has dealt a further blow on their sufferings,” he stressed.
The NIMASA boss stated that the latest killings have once again exposed the lack of capacity and competence on the part of Governor Nyesom Wike to provide adequate security for Rivers people.
“I have said it time and again that Governor Wike lacks the capacity and competence to guarantee the safety and security of Rivers people. It is unfortunate that over 1,000 persons have been killed in questionable circumstances in the last two years under his watch. He should stop playing politics with the lives of Rivers people and face governance.
“Since the governor is not rising to the occasion to show competence, we will, henceforth, partner with all relevant security agencies to bring peace, law and order to ONELGA and other parts of Rivers State.
“This is indeed a sad day for the people of ONELGA and the only way we can assuage their feelings is to ensure that this does not happen again. Governor Wike can rise above his partisan politics and display the hallmark of a statesman by openly condemning this murderous act and stop at nothing to arrest the criminals,” he summed up.
In a related development, scores of people are feared dead in a bomb attack on Magadali Local Governmet Area of Adamawa State on Monday.
A source said that the bomb was planted on a road side in the town.
It added that about three persons lost their lives in the attack.
Mr Othman Abubakar, the Adamawa Police Command spokesman confirmed the development but said only one person was killed.
He said that the command was still gathering information for full details.
However, a source said many people died in the bomb attack.
Also when contacted, the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Mr Haruna Furo, confirmed the incident.
“I received a call from Madagali LGA Council chairman about the incidence but due to poor network, the conversation cut off.
“I tried several times to reach him but it failed,” Furo said.
He said that the agency has yet to get clear details of the attack.
