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– 2 suspects in police custody
– Traditional ruler narrates how lady was abducted from Ahoada East
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The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eugene Epelle, has vowed that all those involved in the gruesome killing of a young lady in Ogoda community will be brought to justice.
Epelle gave the assurance at the weekend, when he led a joint team of council officials and security operatives to recover the body of the victim from a stream in Ogoda, a rural agrarian community on the outskirts of Akinima, the council headquarters.
The team, which included the Divisional Police Officer, the Joint Task Force Commander and other security chiefs in the LGA, waded through the swamp before retrieving the corpse, which was floating on the water.
The victim, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was allegedly abducted from Ahoada town in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
Narrating how the incident was discovered, the traditional ruler of Ogoda, Chief Obutu Tom, said he received a distress call on 12 September while in Port Harcourt that five boys had conspired, abducted a girl from Ahoada East to Ogoda and killed her.
“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,” the monarch said.
Chief Tom said on returning to the community, he carried out a preliminary inquiry and immediately reported the matter to the police.
The council chairman, who described the murder as shocking and first of its kind since he assumed office, confirmed that two suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
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“It was just yesterday we were informed that there was a deceased person in the forest of Ogoda community. Without wasting time, we swung into action, the DPO, the JTF commander, all the security officers in Ahoada West, and my team. We mobilised and were able to arrest two young men who are being investigated,” Epelle said.
He said the local government would not treat the matter lightly and would ensure prosecution.
“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.
Epelle expressed confidence in the Nigeria Police Force to carry out a thorough investigation, assuring that he would personally follow up the case until justice is secured in court.
“We believe in justice. This matter will not end with investigation alone; it will go to court. We will fight for justice for this young lady,” he stated.
The chairman further reassured residents of Ahoada West of their safety, saying security remains his top priority.
“I want to assure them, 100 per cent, that they can sleep with both eyes closed. Security is my top priority and I am following up on it closely,” he said.
The council boss urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities at all times.
