By Iyabode Pius
The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eugene Epelle, has vowed to ensure justice for a young woman whose body was recovered from a stream in Ogoda Community.
Epelle gave the assurance on Saturday, September 19, 2026, when he led local government officials and security operatives to the rural community following reports of the killing.
The victim, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was reportedly abducted from Ahoada Minta in neighbouring Ahoada East Local Government Area before her body was allegedly dumped in a stream at Ogoda.
The Traditional Ruler of Ogoda Community, Chief Obutu Tom, said he received information about the incident on September 12 while in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the information indicated that about five young men had allegedly abducted the woman and taken her to Ogoda, where she was killed before her body was dumped in a nearby stream.
Chief Tom said he reported the matter to the police after returning to the community and conducting preliminary inquiries.
He said several days of coordination with security agencies eventually led to the recovery of the body on September 19.
“Today, being the 19th of September 2026, the security men, the Ahoada East Chairman, the Ahoada West Chairman, and other prominent people moved down to Ogoda community. Without minding anything, we went into the swamp, and finally recovered the corpse floating on the water,” he said.
Thenewsbearer reports that the body, seen floating on the river was too gory to be published.
Speaking after the recovery, Epelle said two suspects had been arrested and were in police custody in connection with the incident.
He said the arrests followed a joint mobilisation involving the Divisional Police Officer, Joint Task Force commander, other security personnel and his team.
“We mobilised yesterday and were able to arrest two young men who are being investigated, based on information linking them to the death of this young lady,” he said.
Epelle condemned the killing, describing it as the first incident of its kind since he assumed office.
“This is the first time, to my surprise, that something like this has happened since I assumed office. That is why I will not take it kindly. I will make sure we get to the root of this matter,” he said.
The chairman pledged to personally follow up on the investigation, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the law.
“This matter will not end with investigation alone — it will go to court. We will fight for justice for this young lady. We believe in justice,” he said.
Epelle also assured residents of Ahoada West that his administration would continue to prioritise security, urging them to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
“Security is my top priority, and I am following up on it closely,” he said.
He added that the council had strengthened its collaboration with security agencies in the area, expressing confidence that the partnership would help curb criminal activities.
