Residents Desert Rivers Community Over Killing Of Soldier By Gunmen

Palpable fear has gripped the residents of Okporowo community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State following the killing of a soldier by yet, to be-identified gunmen.
The Tide learnt that the gunmen had invaded the community in the early hours of last Friday and engaged the soldiers in a gun battle leading to the death of an officer.
According to sources, the dead soldier was one of those guarding the facilities of a multinational company in the community.
Confirming the incident to newsmen, the paramount ruler of the community, Chief Ngozi Otubo, said the situation has thrown the entire community into panic.
He said he was away in Port Harcourt when the incident occurred, but after receiving a phone call, he rushed back to the community to see what has happened, adding that he had been briefed by members of the community.
Chief Otubo solicited for government’s intervention to restore peace to his village.
Also speaking to newsmen about the incident, the Secretary General of Okporowo Community, Chief Austin, Orlu, called for investigation into the incident.
According to him, the incident has made the villagers desert their homes to neighboring villages for refuge.
On his part, the Regent of Igbu Orlukwor Kingdom, Eze Frederick Uwame, called on the State Government and security agencies to beef up security in the community to forestall further attacks.
He lamented that his community is now empty as people have deserted the area following the incident.
Meanwhile, some of the villagers who spoke to newsmen on the incident expressed fears that the situation may lead to the invasion of the community by the military.
According to them, the death of the soldier has ignited a reprisal attack by soldiers and this has led to the burning of houses and properties in the village.
Several phone calls put to the Depuy Public Relations Officer of the Six Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major Iweha, were not answered.
Also, when contacted, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, directed our correspondent to the Army spokesperson, saying she cannot speak for the Army.

By: John Bibor