Reports indicate that Mr. Endwell, suspected of being an informant against cult activities and violent offenses in the Okporowo area of Ahoada East LGA, was potentially tracking suspects before his unexpected death last night.
Sources reported that he departed from a demonstration site across from the Ahoada East Council, where protesters were opposing the extension of the Local Government Chairman’s term, and took a motorcycle around 7 pm.
As the motorcycle moved along Ula-Pata road, three armed individuals ambushed and shot Mr. Endwell, killing him instantly. The motorcycle driver was injured and taken to a hospital. As of 7 am Wednesday, Mr. Endwell’s body was still at the scene.
The Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, a human rights group, expressed concerns about the political instability in Rivers State. Comrade Prince Wiro, the National Coordinator, stated, “I am concerned that criminal elements might take advantage of the state’s disorder to commit crimes. I urge political figures to act within the law, as there are reports of some enlisting violent individuals for their purposes.”
“I also urge the police and other security agencies to enhance their efforts to address any security issues arising from the political unrest.”
The Rivers State Police Command has not yet made an official statement regarding the incident. SP Grace Iringe Koko, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the killing of a police officer and a vigilante by unidentified attackers at Omuma Local Government Council on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
