By Tony John, Port Harcourt
Gunmen believed to be cultists loyal to the late cult leader David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, shot dead Godspower Uwhetu, a former youth leader, in Odhiaje community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Wednesday, April 9.
TheSun.ng learned that around five suspected cultists, led by a man named Sam, stormed Uwhetu’s home at about 1 a.m. They dragged him outside, killed him in front of his house, and fled. Hector Ekeakita, former Public Relations Officer of Igbu Akoh Youth Congress, told newsmen he received the news early that morning. “I was informed in the early hours of the day that a former youth leader of Odhiaje by name Godspower Uwhetu was killed by a man simply identified as Sam,” he said.
Ekeakita shed light on the backstory. “Before the incident, the mother of Sam was said to have accused Uwhetu of calling soldiers to raid the house of her son, stating that ‘his son is innocent,’” he explained.
“Since that day, Uwhetu has been on the run; Uwhetu also told his friends that if anything happens to him, Sam should be held responsible.” He added, “Only for us to wake up this morning to notice that Uwhetu has been murdered. This same Sam is one of 2Baba’s loyalists who escaped death when security agencies attacked their base.”
He raised broader concerns. “The people of Igbu Akoh kingdom are still hearing shocking news of gunshots on a daily basis,” Ekeakita said. “As of last week, in Odieke-Akoh community, some people’s property was vandalised, their solar lights destroyed.”
He urged action, saying, “We are calling on the Sole Administrator, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Air Force, and the military residing in Ahoada to come to our aid before the situation escalates further. We are calling on the Police, JTF, and the LGA Administrator to fish out the boys who do not want to give peace a chance in Ekpeye land.”
As of this report, the Rivers State Police Command had yet to comment on the incident.