Gunmen kill woman in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving the community in shock. A woman identified as Special Bensington lost her life in the incident, which occurred on 19 March. According to eyewitness accounts, Bensington and her friend, Divine Anyanwu, were attacked by armed hoodlums while they were in a Bolt vehicle. The vehicle was reportedly trailed from a hotel in Port Harcourt, where the women had boarded it. The attackers, who were operating a tricycle, opened fire on the vehicle, leaving Bensington with gunshot injuries.
The injured woman was rushed to BMH Hospital in Port Harcourt, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on 21st March 2026. The police have taken swift action, with the divisional police officer of Abuloma Division visiting the scene of the incident and the hospital. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet forensic investigation.
The police have condemned the gruesome killing and assured the public that they will track down the perpetrators. Members of the public with useful information are being urged to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The Rivers State police command's response to the gruesome killing of Special Bensington has been woefully inadequate. The police spokesperson's assurance that the perpetrators will be tracked down rings hollow, given the frequency of attacks in the state. The fact that the police have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for forensic investigation raises more questions than answers. What concrete steps will the police take to address the rising insecurity in Rivers State? The people of Port Harcourt deserve to know.
