There is palpable tension in Abam-Ama and George-Ama Communities of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State over the alleged killing of a young man, a native of Abam-Ama recently.

Stakeholders in Abam-Ama Community are demanding that the perpetrators of the heinous crime be fished out and made to face the law.

Kristina Reports learnt that the incident, which happened on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, resulting to the death of a youth of the community, identified only as Tamunokuro, left many others injured.

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that the deceased is widely regarded as a friend to many and an industrious tailor.

Reacting to the incident, a former Chairman of Abam Ado Royal House, Belief Abam stated that the people of Abam are not violent as such would not resort to violence, insisting that his people want the culprits implicated in the heinous act should be fished out so that appropriate action is taken.

He stated that although the elders of George-Ama have come to interface with them, Abam Community is demanding that the boys be produced, informing that some of the families of these suspects are in police custody.

“They have shown concern but their concern will be deeper if they produce the boys that did the act; they are still in the community and they are shielding them in their homes, let them produce them.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has stepped in to salvage the situation with a promise to restore peace and order.

A senior police officer in the area, who preferred anonymity, assured the people of Abam and George-Ama Communities that justice would be done in the matter, appealing for calm and urging residents to go about the normal activities without fear.

Also reacting to the incident, an indigene of Abam-Ama Community, Promise Wellington told Kristina Reports on Saturday, August 19, 2023 that the alleged murder was a deliberate and intentional one, informing that the clash occurred during a masquerade (Ekpo) display at George-Ama where some Abam youths went to watch.

“I bin wan even go but I tell them say I get choir practice to attend. According to the people wey bin dey there, dem get small disagreement na im dem carry planks wey get nails with bottles start to dey hit Abam boys.”

According to him, a source he refused to name disclosed to him that the deceased was by the corner when the George-Ama boys attacked him.

“As them attack am, one of the boys con talk say e remember wetin Tamunokuro do am for school say na today e go pay am back. Them start to dey flog flog am with plank, e head even tear as them rush am go hospital. The following day wey bin e birthday sef nai e die.”

Speaking also, another indigene, who preferred anonymity, said as the clash was going on, the community onlookers and standbys where supporting the chaos by giving tools to the George-Ama boys.

“As e be, the plank dem, e be like say dem arrange am keep, na the women wey dey for corner nai dey give them the bottles and the plank them to dey use flog them.”