Rivers police probe killing of lady by gunmen in tricycle

By John Ogunsemore

The Rivers State Police Command said it has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a lady
identified simply as Special Bensington along the Total Gospel area, off Odili Road, Port Harcourt on March 19.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed this in a Thursday statement.

The command spokesperson said the incident was reported at the Abuloma Police Division at about 4:30 PM on March 21 by one Miss Divine Anyanwu of No. 9 Aliobi Drive, Elimgbu, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, Anyanwu reported that at about 7:00 PM on March 21, she and her friend, identified simply as one Special Bensington boarded a Bolt ride from a hotel located on Emmanuel Road, off Odili Road, Port Harcourt.

“While en route along the Total Gospel area, off Odili Road, they were reportedly attacked by unknown armed hoodlums suspected to have trailed them from the hotel.

“The assailants, who were operating a tricycle, opened fire on the victims.

“In the course of the attack, the said victim sustained gunshot injuries.

“The victim was immediately rushed to BMH Hospital, Port Harcourt, where she was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty, on 21st March 2026 while receiving treatment,” the statement further reads.

Iringe-Koko added that following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Abuloma Division, alongside his team, visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital.

She said the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet forensic investigation.

“Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The command strongly condemns this gruesome act and assures the public that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.

“Members of the public with useful information that may assist in the investigation are urged to come forward or contact these phone lines,” the statement further reads.