The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has condemned the killing of Wisdom Atata, a youth from Rundele in his early 30s, following an attack by unidentified armed men in Agba-Ndele Community.
Lloyd described the incident as provocative and warned that it could trigger a serious security crisis if not urgently addressed.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants reportedly entered Agba-Ndele through the newly commissioned Agba-Ndele–Abua Road constructed by the Rivers State Government and escaped through the same route towards Abua/Odual Local Government Area after the attack.
In response, Lloyd and his Abua/Odual counterpart, Engr. Owolabi Ofori, visited Agba-Ndele on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to commiserate with the bereaved family, sympathise with other victims and express solidarity with the community.
During the visit, the two council chairmen pledged to ensure a thorough investigation into the killing. They disclosed that security agencies in both local government areas had been directed to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
Lloyd appealed to aggrieved youths in Agba-Ndele to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct their investigations, warning that reprisal attacks could worsen tensions and threaten peace in the area.
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He also commended Ofori for his prompt and collaborative response, assuring that both councils would work together to ensure justice.
Ofori, who expressed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Abua/Odual government and people, cautioned residents against concluding assumptions or unverified accounts. He stressed that only a thorough investigation could establish the circumstances and actual cause of the incident.
He equally urged the youths to exercise restraint and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The Paramount Ruler of Rundele, His Highness Eze Damian Ejiowhor, and the political leader of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Prof. Henry Ogiri, also accompanied the council chairmen on the visit.
They recalled the longstanding cordial relationship between Rundele and neighbouring communities in Abua/Odual, noting that the newly commissioned road and bridge were expected to strengthen their historical ties, encourage social interaction and promote economic activities.
The traditional ruler and political leader appealed to the bereaved family and youths of Agba-Ndele to support the council chairmen and security agencies by providing useful information for the investigation.
They also warned against attacks on innocent commuters along the Rundele–Abua/Odual Road, saying such actions could undermine investigations and frustrate efforts to restore peace.
The two council chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to working with security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for Atata’s killing are brought to justice and lasting peace is maintained across the neighbouring communities.
