Police Arrest Killers Of Youth Leader In Ahoada East

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the youth leader of Abarikpo community in Akoh kingdom, Rivers State, Mr Ebenezer Matthew, but said his killing was not cult- related.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, while confirming the incident yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the Police had identified the person who led the gang that killed the youth leader
Koko added that efforts were on to arrest the culprits as investigation continues.
It would be recalled that gunmen suspected to be cultists on Wednesday night shot dead Mr Matthew who was the President of Abarikpo community in Akoh Kingdom, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The killing came less than three months after gunmen suspected to be cultists allegedly raped one Mrs Chigbewejim Lawyer, a wife of Pastor Lawyer Steward, to death in the community.
In an interview with our reporter, the Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress, Ahoada East LGA, Comrade Ekeakita Hector Chinem, confirmed the incident.
He said, “Yes it is true that Comrade Mathew Ebenezer was shot dead yester-night in his home town, in his father’s compound.The only thing I know about Matthew is that, Matthew is not somebody that condoned 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 been 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 do not sleep with their two eyes closed. Everyday, we record killings. As of last month, April, we had about 36 recorded. In Ekpeye ethnic nationality, we have six clans known as kingdoms.
“The ones we recorded, Ubie, has the highest, about 16. We have in Ahoada six; we have in 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 aid of poor masses in Ekpeye land before the thing turns into 2016 matter”.

By: Akujobi Amadi