The federal government announced that it will
investigate the murder of Samuel Okonta, a National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC) member who was killed during the Rivers State re-run election on
Saturday.
Mr. Okonta, who served at the Government Community Secondary School in Ukpeliede, was shot by unknown gunmen in Ahoada-West Local Government Area while assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manage the elections.
Speaking at a condolence visit, Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth Development, condemned Rivers State politicians for inciting violence.
“Politicians aspire to hold public office because they want to develop Nigeria. In doing this, they are talking of protecting the lives of Nigerians. So it is very bad that we cannot conduct an ordinary election without conflict. In the bid to protect our interests, innocent people will lose their lives. If they kill all Nigerians, who do we rule over? Are they going to rule animals?" the Minister said.
Mr. Solomon called on Rivers State politicians and public officials to respect human life, adding that "perpetrators of the violence will not go unpunished."
Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi, Director-General of the NYSC, called on the Rivers State government and community leaders to pursue the killers. According to Mr. Olawumi, the NYSC has set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the killings.
"We shall work with relevant agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act art fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law."
The Rivers State election violence left at least seven dead and several more injured.
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