Matthew was shot dead on Wednesday night, May 3, 2023, less than three months after suspected cultists gang-r*ped a married woman in the same community.

Ebenezer Matthew

Mr Ebenezer Matthew, the youth leader of Abarikpo community in Akoh Kingdom, Ahoada-East local government area of Rivers State has been killed by gunmen.

Matthew was shot dead on Wednesday night, May 3, 2023, less than three months after suspected cultists gang-r*ped a married woman, Chigbewejim Lawyer, to death in the same community.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Akoh Youth Congress (AYC), Comrade Ekeakita Hector Chineme, confirmed the killing of Mathew in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Ekeakita called on security agencies and political leaders in Ekpeye ethnic nationality to rise up to check the activities of cultists in the area.

“Yes, it is true that Comrade Mathew Ebenezer was shot dead yesterday night (Wednesday) in his hometown, in his father’s compound. The only thing I know about Matthew is that he is not somebody that condones illegality,” he said.

‘He is somebody that has been standing firm, fighting against cultists, against insecurity in the community and I believe that is one of the two things that might have led to his death. But, I know he has been a good person in the Akoh kingdom. The matter has been reported to the Police. As I am speaking to you now, they are preparing for his burial.”

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the killing but said it was not cult-related.

The PPRO stated that the Police have identified the person who led the gang that killed the youth leader.

She added that efforts were on to arrest the culprits as investigation continues.

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