Tragedy struck on Tuesday night, June 18, 2024, as suspected cultists and killed one Endwell Awunze at Ula-Pata Community in Ahoada town.
The incident occured amidst a political crisis in Rivers State, with reports indicating that cultists are regrouping in various parts of the state.
The killing has sparked concerns about the escalating violence and potential breakdown of law and order in the state.
It was revealed that the deceased, Awunze, was a vocal whistleblower who exposed cultism and violent crimes in Okporowo community, Ahoada East LGA.
Sources suggest that Awunze may have been closing in on some suspects before his tragic murder on Tuesday night.
“His courageous efforts to combat cultism may have ultimately led to his untimely demise,” a source said.
A source who preferred anonymity said Awunze was last seen after leaving a protest venue opposite the Ahoada East Council headquarters, where demonstrators gathered to oppose the tenure extension of the Local Government Chairman.
The source noted that Awunze departed the scene around 7:00 pm and boarded a motorcycle, mere hours before his tragic shooting.
The source revealed that as Awunze rode a motorcycle along Ula-Pata road, three armed assailants lay in wait and unleashed a hail of bullets.
It was gathered that Awunze succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while the motorcyclist sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Our correspondent gathered that the driver is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, the body of Awunze, remained at the scene of the tragic incident.
Awunze’s untimely death has sparked outrage and concern among the community, highlighting the perilous nature of his work and the dire need for improved security measures.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign,a human rights organization has expressed worry of the negative effects the political crisis may instigate in Rivers State.
Comrade Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the organization in reaction to the incideht in Ahoada said he is worried that cultists and other criminal elements may take advantage of the chaotic situation in the state to begin to perpetrate evil.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to respond to inquiries on the cultist attack at the time of filing this report.
