By Kote Obe, Port Harcourt
Omawa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, where an Airforce officer was killed by a local vigilante on Tuesday has been deserted.
The home of the vigilante, who killed the military personnel as well as the office of the local vigilance group in the community have been razed down by yet to be identified persons.
The Airforce officer identified as Kasike Eugene was said to have been shot dead by a vigilante member identified as Progress Amecheta during an argument.
The deceased, who was from the community, was said to have gone in company with another person to the office of vigilance group to demand the release of his brother allegedly arrested by the group over cult activities.
It was reported that a heated argument had followed, which led to a fight during which the vigilante went for his gun and fired at the Airforce officer.
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Following the killing, villagers fled the community out of fear that the military could invade the community to carry out a reprisal attack.
But the Chairman of the Community Development Committee of the community, Ugo China, said there was no need for any such reprisal attack as the suspect has since turned himself in to the police.
“I know the people are angry. But the good thing is that the boy (suspect) did not run away. He submitted himself to the police. So the military should work with that. I know they are not happy. The boy (Airforce officer) is a member of their special force. What happened is very unfortunate,” the CDC chairman said.
In the meantime, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, has appealed for calm, saying the matter is being handled by the security agencies.
