The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Sir Chidi Lloyd, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the killing of two Bukuma fishermen and the subsequent deadly attack on Olua-Rumuodogo community, warning against taking the law into one’s hands.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the community on Monday, Lloyd condemned Sunday’s attack, allegedly carried out by assailants from neighbouring Bukuma community in Degema Local Government Area, which left two persons dead, destroyed more than seven houses and displaced several residents.
He said preliminary reports suggested the attack was linked to the earlier discovery of the bodies of two Bukuma fishermen near the Rumuodogo section of the river, with their fishing nets allegedly recovered from some residents of Olua-Rumuodogo.
However, the council chairman maintained that the circumstances surrounding the deaths did not justify the violent invasion of the community, noting that suspects connected to the recovered fishing nets had already been handed over to the police for investigation.
Lloyd questioned why the attackers resorted to violence while investigations were still ongoing, urging security agencies to expedite action to uncover those responsible for the fishermen’s deaths and prevent further reprisals.
He also disclosed that he had begun consultations with the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John William, and stakeholders in the Kalabari community to restore peace between the neighbouring communities.
The Emohua chairman assured victims of government support, directed the deployment of additional security personnel to the area and appealed to displaced residents to return home as efforts to restore normalcy continue.
Chairman of the Community Development Committee of Rumuodogo-Olua, Mr. Azubuike Agbaraukwu, said the attack claimed two lives, razed more than seven houses and left several people injured, while some residents who fled into the bush were still missing more than 24 hours after the incident.
The traditional ruler of Rumuodogo-Olua, Chief Mark Omeven Elekwachi, commended Lloyd for his prompt intervention and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully with its Bukuma neighbours.
