Residents of Okporowo community in Igbu Orlukwor clan, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, have fled their homes for fear of reprisal over attack by suspected cultists on military personnel guarding an oil company’s facility in the area.
Sources disclosed that suspected members a notorious cult gang led by one of their leaders (name withheld), who is on the watchlist of security agencies in the State ambushed the soldiers and opened fire on them on Monday.
One of the community sources, Orukoha, disclosed that one of the military personnel sustained life-threatening injury, but there was no fatality, as the operatives responded swiftly.
Daily Sun gathered that the development has forced residents and natives of the community to flee for fear of reprisals by the military, who have been combing the area in search of the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the community through the office of the Palace of Eze Igbu Orlukwor, Odiabidi Community in Ahoada East LGA, has condemned the attack.
The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Ehie II, has condemned the alleged shooting of soldiers, who were on legitimate duties by some miscreants in Okporowo community.
Eze Ehie, in a statement yesterday,by the Head, Information and Documentation, Eze Igbu Orlukwor Palace, Oyagiri Chime-emele, warned community paramount rulers against compromising security of the kingdom.
He described the action of the hoodlums as an affront and insult on constituted authorities, for civilians under any guise to attack military officers on their constitutionally assigned responsibilities.
The monarch called on the government to fish out the perpetrators and urged security agencies to exhibit utmost professionalism and avoid a situation that would cause suffering on the kingdom known for its peaceful and hospitable disposition.
The Orlukwor royal father promised that his kingdom would work in synergy with the security agencies to put an end to the illegal proliferation of arms among the youths.
He warned that henceforth, every community paramount ruler should protect public assets and avoid security breaches by miscreants that would compromise the kingdom’s security.
The traditional ruler further warned that any community head found culpable would face dire consequences, including outright removal.
Eze Ehie, however, sympathized with the Military High Command, government and particularly the victims, and prayed that God would grant the wounded soldiers quick recovery.
Credit: The Sun