Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a youth leader identified as Ebenezer Matthew in Abarikpo community, the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Mathew, the President of the Abarikpo Community in Akoh kingdom in the local government was shot dead on Wednesday in his father’s compound.
His killing came about three months after suspected cultists allegedly gang-raped a woman identified as Chigbewejim Steward to death in the same community.
The Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress (AYC) in the local government, Ekeakita Chinem, confirmed the incident while speaking with journalists on Thursday.
Chinem said the suspected cultists may have carried out the act because of the youth leader’s anti-cultism posture.
He said, “It is true that Ebenezer Mathew was shot dead yesterday (Wednesday) night in his father’s compound.
“The only thing I know about Matthew is that he was not somebody that tolerate illegality.
“He has been standing firm, fighting against cultism and insecurity in the community and I believe that is one of the two things that might have led to his death.”
Asked if the matter has been reported to the police, Chinem said, “Yes. As I am speaking to you, they are preparing for his (Mathew’s) burial.”
The AYC PRO expressed sadness over increasing cases of killings in the area and called on security agencies and the local government authorities to come to the aid of the people.
He added, “The insecurity in Ekpeye communities is worrisome. People don’t sleep with their two eyes closed. As of last month, we had about 36 killings recorded.
“In Ekpeye ethnic nationality, we have six clans known as kingdoms. Among the killings we recorded, Ubie has the highest figure of about 16 while Ahoada recorded six. We recorded three cases in Akoh with motorcycles stolen and daily robbery cases on Odiemenyi Road.
“I am calling on the security agencies and the political leaders to beef up security in Ekpeye land.
“I also call on the Divisional Police Officer, the Area Commander, the Commander, the Joint Taskforce Commander, the local government chairmen of Ahoada East and Ahoada West and the paramount rulers to come to the aid of the poor masses in Ekpeye land.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, however, said it was not cult-related.
Iringe-koko said, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. Some persons attacked him but I don’t think it was cult-related.
“The command is on top of the situation and investigation is ongoing to identify the culprits and bring them to book.”