The Rivers State Response Team on Violence Against Women & Children has condemned the alleged brutalisation of Miss Winnie Uchechi and her mother, Mrs Faith Chimela Miller, reportedly involving the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle, and his younger brother, Monday Epelle.
The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the victims’ family residence in Odioku Village, Ahoada West LGA.
Speaking during a joint press briefing by civil society organisations at the Human Rights Clinic hosted by Relief International in Port Harcourt, the Coordinator of the Response Team, Tombari Dumka-Kote, expressed concern over what he described as the failure of security personnel allegedly attached to the council chairman to protect lives and maintain peace during the incident.
Dumka-Kote said the alleged actions amount to abuse of power and a violation of citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, as well as provisions of Sections 2, 4 and 9 of the Rivers State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.
He called on the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of Hon. Epelle and his brother. The team also demanded the withdrawal and sanctioning of any security personnel who allegedly witnessed the incident but failed to intervene.
“There are lawful channels available to address grievances. Taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable, especially for a public office holder,” Dumka-Kote said, adding that the matter should not be treated lightly.
In a related development, the team also called for the prosecution of Mrs Jennifer Nne Nelson and her husband over the alleged battery and abuse of a five-year-old girl in the Elimbu area of Port Harcourt, which reportedly left the child with life-threatening injuries.
The coordinator commended residents of the Elimbu community for intervening and rescuing the child. He urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, to direct the Divisional Police Officer of the Elimbu Division to arraign the suspects in court without delay.
Dumka-Kote further pledged that the team would work towards reuniting the child, who was allegedly brought from Ogoni to Port Harcourt as a domestic helper, with her parents. He also cautioned parents against giving out underage children as domestic workers, regardless of circumstances.
He vowed that the team would ensure the case is not swept under the carpet.
“As a team, we are committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence, irrespective of status, are made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
