Daniel Efe/Port Harcourt
Gunmen suspected to be cultists on Wednesday night (May 3rd, 2023) shot dead Mr. Ebenezer Matthew, President of Abarikpo community in Akoh kingdom, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The killing comes less than three months after gunmen suspected to be cultist gang raped Mrs. Chigbewejim Lawyer, to death. The victim was the wife of a Pastor, Mr. Lawyer Steward, to death in the community.
In an interview with, Comrade Ekeakita Hector Chinem, Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress, Ahoada East LGA said: “Yes is true that Comrade Mathew Ebenezer was shot dead yesterday night in his home town, in his father’s compound. The only thing I know about Matthew is that, Matthew is not somebody that condole illegality.
“He is somebody that has being standing firm. Fighting against cultists. Against insecurity in the community and I believe that is one of the two things that might have led to his death. But I know he has being a good person in the Akoh kingdom.
“Yes the matter has been reported to the Police. As I am speaking to you now, they are preparing for his burial.
“The insecurity in Ekpeye communities has turned to a usual church praises. When you talk of killings in Ekpeye both Ahoada East and Ahoada West.
“It has become a usual praise. Everyday people does not sleep with their two eyes closed. Everyday we record killings. As of last month, April we had about thirty -six recorded. In Ekpeye ethnic Nationality we have six clans known as kingdoms.
“The ones we recorded, Ubie has the highest, about sixteen. We have Ahoada six, we have Akoh three and machines (Motorcycles) stolen. Daily robbery at Odiemenyi road.
“I am calling on the security agencies and the Political leaders to beef up security in Ekpeye land not to just stay and allow poor masses to die. I am calling on the DPO, the Area Commander, the JTF Commander and the two Local Government Chairmen of Ahoada East and Ahoada West and the Paramount rulers to come to the aide of poor masses in Ekpeye land before the thing turn to 2016 matter”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command confirmed the incident, SP Grace Iringe Koko confirmed the incident.
SP Koko said, is not a cult clash and that the Police has identified the person who led the gang that killed the Youth leader but the Kingpin and other culprits are yet to be arrested.
SP Koko added that efforts are on to arrest the culprits as Investigation continues Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command, SP Grace Iringe Koko told our reporter she would get back to him but was yet to do so as at the time of filing the report.