By Winifred Mormondor
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, on Tuesday condemned the recurrence of killings in Ekpeyi, Rivers State.
At least seven people were reportedly killed in the last 48 hours by members of a sectarian group in Edo-Oja and Ifuwo areas of the same area. Nwuche, who spoke with stakeholders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress, including those of Ahoada East, lamented that Ekpeyi has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons.The stakeholders and political party leaders, led by Messrs. Benjamin Ekeh and Eric Appiah, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Port Harcourt.The former vice president recalled that a year ago, cult leader Gift Okpara (aka 2Baba) and his members (@Baba) killed a police officer in Ahoada County, Bako Ambassim State.
“The efforts of security agencies have eliminated the main culprits, allowing us to temporarily return to normal life. “It is unfortunate that Ekpeyi has once again descended to this level of barbarism by committing a wanton and senseless killing,” he said
He appealed to the youths to renounce cultism, shun violence and lead meaningful lives.
Nwuche therefore called on traditional rulers, political leaders, opinion leaders and Ekpeyi elites to condemn and end the resumption of sectarian wars and killings, which he said are further exacerbating the plight of his people who are already poor and in need of help and a safe and peaceful environment to carry out their daily agricultural and commercial activities. He, however, called on security agencies to arrest the perpetrators, bring them to justice and restore order and normalcy in Ekpeyi County.
Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command had intensified the manhunt to track down the perpetrators of the heinous crime. She said: “Regarding the Ahoada East incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, has directed the District Police Officer and the District Commander to ensure that those responsible for the dastardly act are arrested and brought to book.
