A young woman, yet to be identified, was abducted from Ahoada Minta in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on September 12. The abductors, suspected to be spiritualists, took her to Ogoda community in the neighbouring Ahoada West Local Government. According to residents, the woman was killed, and her body was dumped in a stream in Ogoda community. The Traditional Ruler of Ogoda Community, Chief Obutu Tom, received information about the incident while in Port Harcourt and immediately reported it to the police.
Chief Obutu Tom stated that the abductors, about five in number, conspired and abducted the woman, killing her and removing parts of her body, including her breasts, private part, and heart. The body was then dumped in a stream close to the village. The Traditional Ruler said it took days of coordination with the village leadership, police, and local government authority to recover the body. A rescue mission led by the chairman of Ahoada West, Mr. Eugene Epelle, along with security operatives, eventually recovered the corpse.
The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eugene Epelle, condemned the killing and assured residents that those involved would be brought to justice. He led a team, including security operatives, to Ogoda Community, where the body was recovered. Epelle confirmed that two suspects were in police custody in connection with the incident. He emphasized that the council would not treat the matter lightly and would ensure that those found involved face the law.
Epelle expressed confidence in the police investigation and pledged to follow the matter through to prosecution. He assured residents that their safety and security were central to his administration. The incident is the first of its kind since Epelle assumed office, and he vowed to get to the root of the matter. The police are investigating the incident, and Epelle will personally follow up on the case.
The recovery of the body was a result of a collaborative effort between the village leadership, police, and local government authority. The Traditional Ruler of Ogoda Community, Chief Obutu Tom, played a significant role in coordinating the recovery of the body. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area, and residents are calling for increased measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, was contacted for a statement but had yet to respond as of the time of filing the report. The incident is under investigation, and the police are working to gather more information. The community is still reeling from the shock of the discovery of the mutilated corpse.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, and residents are demanding justice for the victim. The local government has assured residents that it will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The incident highlights the need for increased security measures in the area and the importance of community collaboration in preventing such incidents.
Key points
- Two suspects are in police custody in connection with the incident.
- The incident is the first of its kind since the chairman of Ahoada West assumed office.
- The local government has assured residents that it will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
