A traditional ruler in the Ahoada Kingdom, His Majesty King Noble Friday Uwoh, has condemned the killing of a security operative and a member of a local vigilante group by a notorious cult group in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The attack, which occurred on Monday night, has heightened fears among residents of surrounding communities.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, members of a cult group terrorizing the area launched an attack on the local vigilante group stationed near the Ahoada East council secretariat.
During the attack, Ngozi Ipah, a member of the local security outfit, and Corporal Francis Friday, who was on special duty at the council secretariat as part of the Special Intervention Squad, SIS, were killed.
In response to the tragic incident, His Majesty King Uwoh has constituted a security committee to investigate the killings.
The committee is led by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Grace Kentebe, and includes a serving Assistant Commissioner of Police as well as other reputable individuals.
The committee’s primary objective is to supervise the activities of the local vigilante group and collaborate with state security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Speaking in an interview, Uwoh, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, described the attack as an act of cowardice and brutality.
He emphasized that no individual or group has the right to disrupt the peace of their land through violence.
“This was not a random act. Preliminary intelligence has revealed that the attack was a deliberate reprisal by a known cult group from Ahoada West LGA, targeted against the OSPAC vigilante structure,” he said.
The monarch urged residents of Ahoada Kingdom to remain calm and vigilant, and to refrain from taking laws into their hands, stating, “Revenge only empowers the enemies of our peace. I call on political leaders and actors, within and outside the kingdom, to be mindful of their words and actions.
“This is not the time to stoke division or tempers. The peace and security of our kingdom must come before all other interests,” he added.
King Uwoh stressed the need for unity and reflection in this period of mourning.
He offered prayers for comfort and strength for the families of the deceased operatives.
“We mourn, but we remain hopeful. We grieve, but we are not broken,” he said, urging citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has also condemned the attack and assured the public that an investigation is ongoing.
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