Residents in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State are alarmed by ongoing killings attributed to a notorious cult group responsible for the death of DPO SP Bako Angbashim.
Despite being declared wanted for the murder, the gang, allegedly led by Gift Okpara, known as 2baba, continues to terrorize the community.
The recent killing of five individuals in Odiemerenyi community, reportedly for providing information to the police, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of government and security agencies.
Sources in the community reveal that the five victims were targeted and killed by the cult group as retaliation for providing information to the police about the gang’s hideout.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the President of Concerned Ekpeye for Development and Peace, Ugwu Moses, expressed disappointment, stating that the recent incident highlights the insufficient efforts of the Rivers State Government and security agencies in apprehending the wanted cult leader and his gang.
“We, the concerned Ekpeye People for Peace and Development, call for a state of emergency on insecurity in EkpeyeLand. Arrest, prosecute sponsors and redeploy over-stayed police officers. “It is exactly 64 days since Ekpeye people lost total sleep following the death of SP Bako.”
“We hereby express our profound disappointment and dissatisfaction on the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State led by the former Commissioner of Police CP Emeka Polycap who in no way showed or proved gallantry in the discharge of his constitutional duties as regards to the security of Rivers people and most importantly, the bleeding Ekpeye Nation,” he added.
They urged Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to put an end to the continuous killings in the area, emphasizing that residents are currently living in fear.
“We therefore, call on the new Commissioner of Police (CP), Tunji Disu, to see the insecurity of EkpeyeLand as a topmost priority as he expedite his actions and investigations by leaving no stone unturned, thereby bringing the sponsors and perpetrators to book.
