25th February, 2023
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Residents of Ubimini community of Ward 12 in Emohua local government area of Rivers were forced to flee their houses as voting was going on in other parts of the state on Saturday following violence which broke out after a vigilante operative killed a pregnant women identified as Ruth Osah.
It was gathered that another vigilante operative was injured in the violence which halted the presidential and national assembly election in the area. Two houses were also burnt.
Comrade Ikechukwu Wordu, President Ubimini Youth Council explained how the killing of the pregnant women in an accidental discharge by operatives of Emohua Local Vigilante Service (EMOLVIS) who were after a pastor armed with pistol led to the violence that prevented election from holding in the community
In an interview with our reporter, he said “The situation in my community right away, today is Presidential election and it is well known that Ubimini is a law-abiding community in Emohua LGA.
“There is one boy that was granted amnesty and he became a Pastor, it was quite unfortunate that this week, he turned back and went back to his bad ways, he was with a group of people trying to recruit some guys and he brought out pump action.
“He wants to go ahead to recruit some boys, he now brought out pump action chasing people all around. The security outfit in the community went to look for him today.
“It was unfortunate that out of accidental discharge by the security outfit, one pregnant woman, Ruth Osah was killed. Some youth moved and chased the EMOLVIS and killed one EMOLVIS. I have to call on security agencies in the area and also called on the Youth to stop any illegal reinforcement by moving round to burn people’s houses.
“For now, the Divisional Police Officer DPO of Egbeda Police Division has arrived Ubimini. One EMOLVIS guy, John was injured. Two EMOLVIS guys also have their houses burnt. But I have called the youth to order.”
The Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, was yet to respond to text messages by our reporter.
As at 1:30 pm our correspondent learnt that many natives have deserted the community as election was not also taking place.