Akanimo Sampson: 3 Shot Dead In Port Harcourt

THREE persons were allegedly shot dead at different locations on Sunday night in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by unknown gunmen. One of those killed was identified as Sunny Opuabe, the leader of the Bush Boys a.ka. Peace Makers.

Although the Police in the state confirmed the incident, the Spokesperson of the command, Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), could not give any detail as at 12.55pm when our correspondent called her on telephone for confirmation.

It was however, gathered that the Bush Boys leader was shot dead by unknown gunmen numbering about five, at around 9.35pm on Sunday along Aboloma Road at a drinking spot.

The Bush Boys and the Niger Delta Vigilante led by Ateke Tom, were locked in a cross-fire from year 2000 for the political control of Okrika, one of the major Ijaw clans in Rivers.

While the Bush Boys were accused of working for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Vigilante were said to be working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the instance of Dr. Abiye Sekibo, who was Secretary to the State Government then during the Peter Odili administration.

In the mean time, the Egbema Movement for Justice (EMJ), a civil society group, has expressed worry over the return of violence in the oil region. President of the group, Mr. Robinson Uroupa, claimed in Port Harcourt yesterday that the Niger Delta since last September has been known for its long delibrate and institutionalised neglect which has not been addressed in all ramification.

''Our attention has been drown to the unacceptable methods allegedly being employed by the JTF in killing Niger Delta youths under the pretext of fighting militancy, and vandals of oil facilities As an organisation, we are worried because the situation is capable of shattering the relative peace in the oil region'', the group said.

Continuing, the group appealed to Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Obong Ufot Ekaette, to wade into the brewing conflict in the region for the sake of peace.

ENDS

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