By Tina Amanda
Suspected cultists on Tuesday night, June 18, 2024, shot Endwell Awunze along Ula-Pata in Ahoada town, heightening tensions as the state grapples with increasing unrest.
According to the report, Awunze who is suspected to be a whistle-blower against cultism and other violent crime in the Okporowo community in Ahoada East LGA may have been on the trail before his untimely death yesterday night.
A source revealed that Awunze left the venue of protest opposite Ahoada East Council where they were protesting against the tenure elongation of the Local Government Chairman and boarded a motorcycle at about 7 pm.
The source disclosed that as the Motorbike was navigating along Ula-Pata road, three gunmen who had already laid ambush opened fire on Awunze who died instantly while the rider of the motorbike sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital where he is receiving treatment.
As of 7 am on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, the corpse of Awunze was still at the scene of the crime.
Awunze until his death, was an oil pipeline surveillance worker.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator for the Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign, a human rights organization Prince Wiro, has expressed worry at the negative effects that the political crisis may cause in Rivers State.
“I am worried that cultists and other criminal elements may take advantage of the chaotic situation in the state to begin to perpetrate evil. I urge the Political gladiators in the state to carry out their activities within the confines of the law as we hear that some mischievous politicians are recruiting all manner of violent personalities to achieve their aim.
“I equally call on the Police and other relevant security agencies in the state to double their effort to arrest the security challenges that may arise as a result of the political crisis”.
Reacting to the incident, the Spokesperson for the River State Police Command, SP Iringe Koko, confirmed the incident. She said Endwell was killed by unknown gunmen adding that investigation is ongoing.
