Edith CHUKU
A human rights organization in Rivers State, has raised the alarm that cult groups might be leveraging on the political crisis in the state to cause mayhem.
The Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, expressed this worry shortly after the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the gruesome killing of one Mr. Endwell Awunze by unknown gunmen and affirmed that investigation was on.
TNN gathered that Awunze was shot by suspected cultists along Ula-Pata in Ahoada town, on Tuesday night.
The deceased was said to be a whistle blower against cultism and other violent related crimes in Okporowo Community, Ahoada East LGA.
Report revealed that Awunze “left the venue of the protest opposite Ahoada East Council where they were protesting against tenure elongation of Local Government Chairman and boarded a motorcycle at about 7pm.
“The Motorbike was navigating along Ula-Pata road, three gunmen who had already laid ambush opened fire on Mr Awunze who died instantly while the driver of the motor bike sustained gunshot injuries and has been rushed to hospital where he is receiving treatment.
“As at 7am today (Wednesday), the corpse of Mr Awunze was still at the scene of crime. Mr Awunze until his death, was an oil pipeline surveillance worker.”
In his reaction to the incident, Mr. Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign 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.”
