Rivers LG Chairman Suspends Vigilante Commander, Deputy Over Killings

Chairman of Emohua local government area of Rivers State, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has approved the suspension of the commander and deputy commander of newly established Emohua Vigilante Service (EMOVIS), Godwin IKenga, a retired assistant superintendent of police (ASP) and his deputy, Kayode Wori.

EMOVIS was formally inaugurated barely one week ago by the Rivers State commissioner of police, Eboka Friday, who was represented by the divisional police officer (DPO) in-charge of Rumuji police division, Nnaemeka Didi.

The suspension of the two leaders, who are currently in police custody, followed the alleged killing and disappearance of two persons in the local government area.

Lloyd, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the suspension was to give room for thorough investigation into allegations of high-handedness against EMOVIS leadership.

The chairman has approved the appointment of Agi John Chidi as the acting commander of Emohua local government vigilante services to oversee the affairs of the security outfit pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the police.

He stated that a member of the local government vigilante services, Godknows Wokanma, who allegedly carried out the shooting of Chijioke Augustine following the killing of a member of the vigilante by suspected cultists in Elibrada-Emohua, is currently facing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Lloyd promised to ensure that justice prevails, while encouraging security agencies to apprehend the alleged killers of the vigilante officer.

The council chairman enjoined the people of the area to go about their normal business, assuring that the wrath of the law will be visited on anyone found culpable in the alleged killing and disappearance of the youths, no matter how highly placed, stressing that security agencies have been mobilized to forestall the breakdown of law and order across the council.