Authorities of Abam-Ama Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have vowed to leave no stone unturned until the killers of one Tamunokuro are fished out and brought to book.
Tamunokuro, an indigene of Abam-Ama, was said to have been allegedly attacked and murdered by some youths of neighbouring George-Ama Community, while leaving many others injured.
Authorities of Abam-Ama are alleging that the suspected killers are being shielded and left hiding in the homes of George-Ama residents.
A friend of the deceased and native of Abam-Ama, Promise Wellington, who spoke with newsmen on the development, alleged it was a premeditated murder.
Wellington, who recounted that the incident, said it occured on Tuesday August 15, 2023, during a masquerade display at George-Ama, where some Abam-Ama youths went to watch.
Narrating in pidgin English, he said, “I wanted to go, but I told them I had choir practice to attend.
“According to those who were there, there was a minor disagreement, and suddenly the George-Ama youths attacked the Abam-Ama youths with weapons such as planks in which were nails, and bottles.
He said the deceased, Tamunokuro was by the corner when the George-Ama youths attacked him.
“As they attacked him, one of the George-Ama boys said he remembered what Tamunokuro did to him in school, saying that he will pay Tamunokuro back.
“Them started hitting Tamunokuro with the planks, opening his skull in the process before he was rushed to the hospital. The next day, which was Tamunokuro’s birthday, he died”, he said.
Another indigene of the area who pleaded anonymity said during the clash, people from the community stood watching and showed solidarity, as they even have the George-Ama youths more weapons.
“From all indications, all the weapons used were arranged earlier, and it was the women by the side that concealed the weapons, and also supplied them when it was time to use”, he said.
A former Chairman of Abam Ado Royal House and an elder in the community, Belief John Abam, while saying Abam-Ama people are not violent, and will continue to maintain a peaceful disposition despite the provocation, however, insisted that the culprits should be fished to face the full wrath of the law.
He said although elders of George-Ama have come to interface with the community, but that they are demanding for the killers to be produced.
Belief Abam further disclosed that some of the families of the miscreants are cooling off in police custody.
“They have shown concern, but their concern will be deeper if they produce the boys that did the act; they are still in the community and they are shielding them in their homes, let them produce them”, he said.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Chairman of Abam Ado Royal House, Sample Orupabo, were unsuccessful.
In the meantime, police authorities have stepped in to salvage the situation and have promise to restore peace and order in the area.
