The family of an Air force officer, Endurance Eugene who was killed by an OSPAC member in Omawan community in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State on Tuesday, is calling for the arrest and prosecution of his killer.
The deceased was allegedly killed by an OSPAC member identified Progress Emecheta known as Tuface, which caused unrest in the community as some residents fled the area.
Sources say the deceased was shot by the suspect, after he had gone to their base to demand for the release of his younger brother, arrested by them.
That, was after the officer’s brother and some youths of the community were arrested, over their refusal to swear an oath against cult membership and involvement in criminal activities.
They said when the deceased got there, a fight ensued and he was reportedly shot dead by Tuface, who is now on the run.
Speaking with TNC correspondent, Onyemechi Eugene, an elder brother to late Endurance Eugene said his brother who was serving in Lagos state returned home for the yuletide and was shot by Progress Emecheta, a member of the Omawan OSPAC following a minor argument.
He said his late brother accompanied his colleague to secure the release of his brother who was arrested by the OSPAC in Omawan for allegedly refusing to renounce cult membership.
According to him, the OSPAC member, who killed his brother is still moving freely in the community.
“What I am seeking is for government should arrest the boy that killed my brother.
“The reason was not something that should have warranted the killing of my brother because he was only talking with them and not making troubles.
“So, the government should look into the matter and bring the killer to justice,” he said.
Also, a member of the community, who does not want his name to be mentioned, narrated how members of OSPAC in Omawan community were allegedly forcing youths in the community to renounce cult membership.
He revealed that the killer had the intention to kill the deceased as he did not shoot him once but three times.
When contacted the chairman of Ikwerre local government area, Samuel Nwanosike said Progress Emecheta the OSPAC member that killed Endurance Eugene has been arrested and handed over to the police.
He, however, condoled with the family of the deceased and the Nigerian Air force. “It is unfortunate that this incident happened and as a responsible government, we swung into action with the support of the security agents and the young man involved has been arrested.
“That you are a member of OSPAC does not mean that you take the laws into your hands.
“We want to condole with the family of the deceased and we want to say that this is not the way we want to start our new year but it is unfortunate that we do not have the capacity to control other people’s actions.
“We want to assure people of Ikwerre LGA that we will continue to make sure that there is peace in Ikwerre local government like they had seen during the yuletide season,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police are yet to speak on this.
