The Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality has joined its voice to condemnations trailing the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking under the aegis of Uzugbani Ekpeye, the apex socio cultural organization in Ekpeye land, the ethnic group dissociated itself from such acts, insisting the people of Ekpeye are hospitable.

A statement signed by its President General, Ukechukwu Nyemenim, and Publicity Secretary, Ogboka Umeda, on Saturday, September 9, 2023 and made available to the Media, said the Ekpeye people are worried that the DPO of Ahoada was murdered by a suspected criminal gang at Odhiemudhie Community in Ahoada-East LGA.

Describing the deceased as a “gallant police officer” and “combatant police officer”, who died “in line of official duty”, the Uzugbani Ekpeye stated that its National Executive Council worked for the deployment of SP Angbashim to Ahoada in its quest to checkmate the growing insecurity in the area.

“The National Executive Council of Uzugbani Ekpeye had in its quest to solve the growing insecurity in Ekpeye land, rallied support for the deployment of SP Bako from Bori to Ahoada Police Division which yielded fruits as the once deserted Ahoada town after 8pm came back alive following the successes recorded as a result of SP Bako’s resumption to duty at Ahoada Police Division.”

“Uzugbani Ekpeye is, however, shocked and amazed at the inhumane treatment and dismemberment given to the body of the selfless senior police officer who brought out his all to bring lasting peace to Ekpeye land noting that Ekpeye is now tagged a land soiled with human blood where crime thrive unchallenged.”

It promised to collaborate with the government and security agencies to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, stressing that Ekpeye Land cannot be used for criminality. 

“Uzugbani Ekpeye will however, shock naysayers as it will do everything humanly possible to collaborate with government and security agencies in bringing the culprits to book as Ekpeye land cannot be a den of armed robbers and there shall be no peace for those that caused Ekpeye this pain.”

The statement said the “Ekpeye People condole with the immediate family, the Nigerian Police Force, Rivers State Government and the Federal Government over this unfortunate incident while also praying for the repose of the departed soul”.