11th March, 2022
Okafor Ofiebor /Port Harcourt
Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers, early Friday morning invaded the residence of Amaechi Okonkwo, the Chairman of Correspondents Chapel of Rivers State branch of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, carting away his properties and a bus belonging to the union.
Our correspondent learnt that the armed gunmen who invaded the building around 3 am looted items from the residence while subjecting the NUJ Chairman and his family members to mental torture.
It was gathered that the gunmen also robbed other residents in the neighborhood.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State NUJ in press statement issued its Secretary, Ike Wigodoû, said, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State Council wishes to inform the Nigerian Police and the general public that the NUJ bus of the correspondents’ Chapel was robbed at gun point early this morning at about 3:00am at the residence of the Chapel Chairman, Amaechi Okonkwo.
“According to the information provided by the Chairman, Mr Okonkwo, the robbers stormed his residence fully armed and robbed his household and other residents and went away with the Union bus.
“Members of the public who happen to sight the vehicle anywhere should contact the police or the NUJ Rivers State Council.
Our Correspondent has not been able to establish contact with Okonkwo as his phones were switched off with suspicion that they might be among the items stolen by the gunmen.
However, Chidi Ohalete, the Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel Rivers who also confirmed incident said that the Rivers Police Command had been contacted over the incident.