Deaths in Rivers State Occupy State Police Command
Rivers State Police Command has got its hands full with investigations, following recent deaths and killings in the state. Within the space of two weeks, there has been stories of accidents and murders that are begging for details and facts, to paint a clearer picture of what led to them.
Late Joe Blankson and family
First is the boat accident which occurred on the 28 of July, with reports of one person losing his life, talking about 38 year old Joe Blankson. The Police Command had come out to say that the deceased helped in saving about 12 persons who were victims of that accident along the Abonema-Bakana waterways. However, conflicting reports especially from the Chairman of Degema LGA, Tony Philemon, under whose jurisdiction the accident happened, claim the widespread story of Mr Blankson's heroic feat was false. He said during a radio interview that the late Blankson only attempted to rescue his family members when he drowned. Mr Philemon added that there were divers like a certain 'Apostle', who were instrumental in reducing the number of casualties. Reports on the cause of the accident are also unclear, as some say the driver was over-speeding, while others say the driver was not licensed. Again, Mr Philemon said the driver has been arrested and handed over to the police, along with his boat.
The police is yet to come out with a conclusive report on the accident, which will give official details of what led to the mishap. A hashtag #HonourJoeBlankson has since been launched on Social Media, calling for the family of Mr Blankson to be catered for by the government and for him to be immortalized.
First is the boat accident which occurred on the 28 of July, with reports of one person losing his life, talking about 38 year old Joe Blankson. The Police Command had come out to say that the deceased helped in saving about 12 persons who were victims of that accident along the Abonema-Bakana waterways. However, conflicting reports especially from the Chairman of Degema LGA, Tony Philemon, under whose jurisdiction the accident happened, claim the widespread story of Mr Blankson's heroic feat was false. He said during a radio interview that the late Blankson only attempted to rescue his family members when he drowned. Mr Philemon added that there were divers like a certain 'Apostle', who were instrumental in reducing the number of casualties. Reports on the cause of the accident are also unclear, as some say the driver was over-speeding, while others say the driver was not licensed. Again, Mr Philemon said the driver has been arrested and handed over to the police, along with his boat.
The police is yet to come out with a conclusive report on the accident, which will give official details of what led to the mishap. A hashtag #HonourJoeBlankson has since been launched on Social Media, calling for the family of Mr Blankson to be catered for by the government and for him to be immortalized.
Late Prophet ThankGod Abam
The second major death in the past week is the assassination of ThankGod Abam, prophet of Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Rivers State. He was gunned down at his residence in Rukpokwu, after returning from his church. Apparently, the assailants were out to kill him because nothing was stolen from their victim. We also await the response of security agencies, even as the Police say they are investigating circumstances surrounding his death.
The second major death in the past week is the assassination of ThankGod Abam, prophet of Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Rivers State. He was gunned down at his residence in Rukpokwu, after returning from his church. Apparently, the assailants were out to kill him because nothing was stolen from their victim. We also await the response of security agencies, even as the Police say they are investigating circumstances surrounding his death.
Finally is
the death of four northern traders at the Orazi axis of the
state. Reports say the young men had lived peacefully in the state for
over a decade. One of them who was the Vice Chairman of the Northern
Traders Association in the state was vying for the same position in an election which
was to hold over the weekend, but has since been postponed following the incident. Their death
raised concerns of reprisal attacks, since Rivers State is majorly a
Christian state and given recent clashes between herdsmen and farmers
which represent the Northern/Southern dichotomy of Nigeria, the murder
of Northerners within the region is not a good sign. The deceased have been buried in Bauchi according to Islamic rites.
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