The Ekpeye Advocacy Group has accused the Rivers State Government of distorting the facts surrounding the murder of the late Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, Bako Amgbashim.
In a statement signed by the group’s Convener, Olimini Chinuzoke and the Director of Publicity, Nnamdi Ezebalike, respectively, the group accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making misleading claims about the murder and the arrest of two traditional rulers, Kelvin Anugwo and Cassidy Ikegbidi, detained in connection with the crime.
The group clarified that the late Bako was murdered on September 9, 2023, and the arrests were made shortly after, insisting that the event was unrelated to the governor’s political challenges, which began months later.
Expressing concern over ongoing insecurity in the Ekpeye area, the group highlighted recent violent incidents, including the killing of over 20 individuals in the past two months.
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Among these were the murders of five people in Edeoha Town on October 20, 2024, and THE multiple killings in other Ekpeye communities.
Furthermore, the group criticised the perceived politicisation of the issue, alleging that efforts to ensure justice for the late Bako have been undermined.
“Our worry is that despite the killing of 2Baba, gruesome murders have continued to occur in Ekpeye on a daily basis without deliberate efforts by the state or local governments to end the insecurity,” the statement read.
The group therefore called on the state government and security agencies to prioritise the safety of Ekpeye residents and address the growing threat to lives and property.
