Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed one Endwell Awunze at Ula-Pata-Ahoada in Ahaoda Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The deceased, until death, was an oil pipeline surveillance worker.
Awunze was alleged to be a “whistle blower” against cultism and other violent crimes in Okporowo community in Ahoada East LGA.
Sources say he was trailed and killed by cultists on Tuesday night.
A resident of the area said Awunze left the venue of protest against the tenure elongation of local government chairmen opposite Ahoada East Council but was trailed and killed by cultists.
The source said that as the motorbike conveying the Awunze was navigating along Ula-Pata road, three gunmen who had already laid ambush opened fire on him.
It was gathered that the victim died on the spot while the driver of the motor bike sustained gunshot injuries and was quickly rushed to hospital.
The source noted that till 7am on Wednesday, June 19, Awunze’s remains was still at the scene of crime.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to speak on this development.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign, a human rights organization, has expressed worry of the negative impacts of the political crisis on residents of the state.
Comrade Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the organization in reaction to the incident 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.”
