Breaking: Armed men kill one in Rivers amid LGA leadership crisis

  

Armed men suspected to be cultists have killed a young man identified as Endwell Awunze at Ula-Pata-Ahoada, Ahaoda Local Government Area of Rivers State.

This was as panic has continued in the state over the local government area leadership crisis rocking the state.

It was learned that Awunze, alleged to be a “whistle blower” against cultism and other violent crimes in Okporowo community in Ahoada East LGA, was reportedly trailed and killed by cultists.

A source in the area disclosed that the victim had left the venue of protest opposite Ahoada East Council where they were protesting against tenure elongation of Local Government Chairman. 

He was said to have boarded a motorcycle at about 7pm and was tracked down and killed.

The source reported that as the motorbike conveying the Awunze was navigating along Ula-Pata road, three gunmen who had already laid ambush opened fire on him.

It was gathered that the victim died instantly while the driver of the motor bike sustained gunshot injuries and was quickly rushed to hospital where he is receiving treatment.

The source noted that till 7am, Wednesday that the corpse of Mr Awunze was still at the scene of crime, adding that the deceased until death was an oil pipeline surveillance worker.

Meantime, the Rivers State Police Command is yet to respond to this development.

However, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign, a human rights organization has expressed worry of the negative impacts of the the political crisis on residents of the state.

Comrade Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the organization in reaction to the incident said: “I am worried that cultists and other criminal elements may take advantage of the chaotic situation in the state to begin to perpetrate evil.I urge the Political gladiators in the state to carry out their activities within the confines of the law as we hear that some mischievous politicians are recruiting all manner of violent personality to achieve their aim.

“I equally call on the Police and other relevant security agencies in the state to double their effort to arrest security challenges that will arise as a result of the political crisis.”