The Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Njoku, has placed a ₦1 million bounty on anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest of the killers of Mr. Shadrack Ogadinma Chikwem, who was brutally murdered in Umuemeshie community, Chokota, Igbo Etche, Rivers State.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday during a family meeting when suspected armed assailants stormed the gathering, attacking participants and killing Chikwem in cold blood. Eyewitnesses said the attackers fled with the deceased’s body while other family members escaped for safety.
Chief Njoku, who visited the scene of the crime, expressed shock over the killing and condemned the rising wave of violence in the area. He directed all local police divisions to intensify investigations and assured residents that the council is committed to bringing the perpetrators and their accomplices to justice.
An eyewitness, and elder brother of the deceased, Chief Anderson Onyekachi, revealed that one Gift Nnaye Okere, previously declared wanted by the council, arrived with four other men and attacked the gathering. He alleged that the dethroned Ochimba of Chokota community, Chief Elijah Okere, was the mastermind behind the killing.
Residents described the late Chikwem as a vibrant and enterprising young man, noting his role as a former youth leader of Umuemeshie. The Etche Local Government Council has called on community members to cooperate with security agencies by providing any information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
