7th June, 2016
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has expressed worry over the state government’s continued silence on recent cult-related killings in the state.
No fewer than 19 people were killed in Aluu community in Ikwerre local government area and Obite community in Etche local government area on Friday night while 11 persons were killed on Saturday night in three communities in Emohua local government area of the state.
The secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the APC, Godstime Orlukwu, wondered the expected number people that would be killed before the state government takes action.
Orlukwu said, “How many more lives, how many more will die before this government does something about these killings. The last time I checked, one of the primary responsibilities of government and I mean, by his oath of office, the governor is supposed to be responsible for the protection of lives and properties of all those he is governing.
“Why is this government completely silent and uninterested in what is going on? Why can’t these youths who are engaged in all these be empowered to work and earn a living rather than carrying guns; Why? Where are our elders? Who will save Rivers State? Why is no one talking?”
He stated that elderly women in communities in Ikwerre, Ogba and Ahoada areas of the state no longer go to their farms due to the presence of cultists who have taken over the farmlands.
The APC chieftain said, “Today, the elderly and poor women of Ikwerre, Ogba and Ahoada cannot safely go to their farms to earn a living because cultists have taken over their farmlands. Governor Wike fought hard to be in power; he should be seen to fight hard too to keep us safe.
“That is his responsibility and we can’t see that yet. We know what former Governor Amaechi did, we know how former Governor Amaechi fought tirelessly to ensure that the state was safe”.