Gunmen Kill Former Youth Leader in Rivers Community

Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group loyal to slain cult leader, David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, have reportedly killed a former youth leader, Godspower Uwhetu, in Odhiaje community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Daily Sun gathered that the attackers, numbering about five and allegedly led by a man identified simply as Sam, stormed Uwhetu’s residence around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday. They reportedly dragged him outside and shot him in front of his house before fleeing the scene.

A former Public Relations Officer of the Igbu Akoh Youth Congress, Mr. Hector Ekeakita, who spoke to journalists about the incident, said he received news of the killing in the early hours of the day.

“I was informed that a former youth leader of Odhiaje, Godspower Uwhetu, was killed by Sam, who is known in the community,” Ekeakita said. “Before this incident, Sam’s mother had accused Uwhetu of calling soldiers to raid their home, claiming her son was innocent.”

Ekeakita added that Uwhetu had been living in fear since the accusation, telling close friends that should anything happen to him, Sam should be held responsible.

“Sadly, we woke up this morning to find out that he has been murdered,” he said. “This same Sam is known to be a loyalist of 2Baba and had previously escaped when security agents stormed their camp.”

He further disclosed that gun-related violence has continued to plague the Igbu Akoh Kingdom, with frequent gunshots and incidents of vandalism. Just last week, he said, residents of Odieke-Akoh community had their properties and solar lights destroyed by suspected cultists.

Ekeakita appealed to authorities to step in before the situation escalates further.

“We are calling on the Sole Administrator of the LGA, the Nigeria Police, the Joint Task Force, and the military in Ahoada to intervene,” he urged. “Those bent on disturbing the peace in Ekpeye land must be apprehended.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.