The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers State, Eugene Epelle, has ordered a full investigation into the killing of a young woman whose body was recovered from a stream in Ogoda Community.

Epelle also vowed that anyone found culpable would face the law.

The chairman gave the assurance after leading security operatives and other officials to the community, where the victim’s body was recovered from a nearby stream.

He disclosed that two suspects had been arrested and were being held by the police in connection with the incident.

According to him, the arrests followed information allegedly linking the suspects to the death of the woman, who was reportedly abducted from Ahoada Minta in Ahoada East Local Government Area and taken to Ogoda.

“It was just yesterday that we were informed that there was a deceased person in the forest of Ogoda Community, in Ahoada West Local Council. Without wasting time, we swung into action. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the JTF commander, all the security officers in Ahoada West and my team mobilised,” he said.

“We were able to arrest two young men who are being investigated based on information linking them to the death of this young lady.”

Epelle described the incident as the first of its kind since he assumed office, stressing that his administration would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the killing were fully established.

“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,” he said.

The chairman expressed confidence in the police investigation, adding that he would personally follow up on the case to ensure it proceeded 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,” Epelle said.

The traditional ruler of Ogoda Community, Chief Obutu Tom, said he received information about the incident on September 12 while he was in Port Harcourt.

He said he was informed that some young men had allegedly abducted the woman from Ahoada Minta and taken her to Ogoda, where she was reportedly killed and her body dumped in a nearby stream.

Tom said he reported the matter to the police after returning to the community and worked with security personnel to locate the body.

According to him, the body was eventually recovered on September 19 after security personnel, the chairmen of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local councils, and community leaders searched the swamp.

Epelle urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that security remained a priority of his administration.