Residents of Rivers State have been assured that all those involved in the killing of a young lady in Ahoada West Local Government Area will be brought to justice.
The chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Mr. Eugene Epelle, gave the assurance while leading his team, alongside security operatives, to Ogoda Community, where the body of the unnamed victim was recovered from a stream.
Speaking after the recovery of the body, the Chairman, condemned the killing and confirmed that two suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the incident.
"It was just yesterday. We were informed that there was a deceased person in the forest of Ogoda community, in Ahoada West Local Government Area. Without wasting time, we swung into action — the DPO, the JTF commander, all the security officers in Ahoada West, and my team," Epelle said. "We mobilised and were able to arrest two young men who are being investigated, based on information linking them to the death of this young lady."
The council chairman called on the police to carryout a proper investigation and bring perpetrators to book.
Mr.Epelle said the incident was the first of its kind since he assumed office, insisting that the council would not treat the matter lightly. "This is the first time, to my surprise, that something like this has happened since I assumed office. That is why I will not take it kindly. I will make sure we get to the root of this matter. By all means, anyone found involved will face the law of the land. There is no forgiveness for taking someone's life, because our government does not tolerate that kind of nonsense," he said.
On the ongoing investigation, the council chairman expressed confidence in the police, while pledging to follow the matter through to prosecution. "I am confident that the Nigerian Police Force will investigate this matter properly, because I will follow up personally. This matter will not end with investigation alone — it will go to court. We will fight for justice for this young lady. We believe in justice," he said.
The Traditional Ruler of Ogoda Community, Chief Obutu Tom who gave an account of how the body was discovered, said he first received information about the incident while in Port Harcourt.
''That was on the 12th. I was in Port Harcourt when I received the first phone call informing me that some boys, about five in number, had grouped themselves together, conspired, and abducted a girl from Ahoada Minta, Ahoada East, to Ogoda community. After which, the girl was killed; her breasts were removed, her private part was removed, and her heart was taken. They then went and dropped her body in a stream very close to the village," he said.
Chief Tom said he immediately reported the matter to the police upon returning to the community. "After I entered the community and carried out my preliminary investigation, I said no, I cannot allow such a thing to happen in my area. I had to do the needful, so I went to the police and gave my report to them," he said.
He explained that it took days of coordination before the body was eventually recovered.
As of the time of filing this report, the Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command was yet to issue an official statement on the ugly incident.
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