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Crisis looms in Rivers community over alleged killing of leader by vigilante

By Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt
17 August 2021   |   2:03 am
Crisis is reportedly brewing in Elele Alimini Clan, Emohua Council of Rivers State, following the alleged killing of Vice Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Christian Chuku.

Crisis is reportedly brewing in Elele Alimini Clan, Emohua Council of Rivers State, following the alleged killing of Vice Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Christian Chuku.

The Guardian learnt that some operatives of the Emohua Security Planning and Advisory Committee (ESPAC) in the area allegedly beat up Chuku to death.

Trouble started at the weekend following squabbles between Chuku and operatives of the security outfit, which led to reprisals following alleged murder of a vigilante, John Amadi.

It was also learnt that Chuku’s body was rejected at a health facility in the area, after which he was abandoned, while security operatives were said to have taken his body to an unknown destination.

A relative of the victim, who identified himself as Ugo Ephraim, alleged that his brother died and the security personnel went away with his remains to conceal their crime.

The development was said to have angered the youths of the community, who went amok, destroying the vigilante’s office and setting their shrine ablaze.

The situation caused serious pandemonium in the area, as residents scampered for safety, but the State Police Command, clarified that Chuku did not die, adding that he was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Chairman of the Council, Chidi Lloyd, had on assumption of office, disbanded the vigilante group following alleged reports of illegal activities and abuse of human rights

Speaking further, Ephraim said: “Presently, there is panic in the community. On Saturday, there was a misunderstanding between Chukwu and ESPAC from where Chukwu was attacked and we heard that Chukwu is dead.

“We, the family members, now moved to bring his remains from the hospital and we took him to ESPAC office for them to do what ever they want to do with his corpse, but before we left their office to report to the community that he had been killed, we did not see the dead body and the OSPAC members again.”

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, said the community leader did not die as the family alleged.

“We are aware of the development. Chuku did not die. He is receiving treatment in the hospital. Some youths allegedly killed an ESPAC member,” he said.

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