Uwhetu told his friends that if anything happened to him, Sam should be held responsible
In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, suspected cultists, who are believed to be members of the Iceland sect, fatally shot a former youth leader in the Odhiajie community of the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
At approximately 1 a.m., the perpetrators, who numbered five, allegedly entered the residence of Godspower Uwhetu, forcibly dragged him outside, and fatally shot him in the street.
Local sources said that the perpetrators were supporters of the late cult leader David Gift, also known as 2Baba.
Gift’s group has been implicated in a series of violent actions in the area. According to reports, the group is under the leadership of an individual named Sam, who is believed to have been the leader of the attack that occurred on Wednesday.
An ex-Igbu Akoh Youth Congress public relations officer and local resident, Hector Chinem Ekeakita, confirmed the murder and gave background information on the incident leading up to the shooting.
When Sam’s mom publicly accused Uwhetu of planning a military raid on her son’s house, tensions rose, according to Ekeakita. Reportedly, Uwhetu fled into hiding after the confrontation because he was afraid for his life.
Ekeakita said, “Uwhetu told his friends that if anything happened to him, Sam should be held responsible. This morning, we woke up to the news of his murder. Sam is one of the 2Baba loyalists who narrowly escaped during a raid on their base by security forces.
“We are calling on the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Air Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Army units stationed in Ahoada to swing into action before the situation deteriorates further.
“There is a need to fish out these criminal elements who are holding Ekpeye land hostage.”
Within the community, residents continue to live in dread as a result of the escalating violence, and they are demanding fast action to restore peace and order.
There has been no official comment issued by the Rivers State Police Command reporting the incident as of the time of this publication.