In the Uluoke community, Etsako West LGA of the state, Pius was killed by gunmen on Friday, and his pregnant wife and sister were kidnapped.
According to police spokesperson Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, the gunmen broke into Pius’ home at around two in the morning on Monday, shot him dead, and left his three children behind.
Yamu also stated that police officers are collaborating with local hunters and vigilantes to make sure the victims are rescued and the perpetrators are held accountable.
“The command is aware. Necessary deployments have been made in that regard. Our men have sustained bush combing and rescue operations with a view to rescuing the victims,” he said.
Following the incident, a group of community women protested, calling on the government to act immediately to lessen state insecurity. But according to the police spokeswoman, the command has sent out agents to bring peace back to the neighborhood.
Recent days have seen an increase in attacks nationwide. Members of a local vigilante group in the state are said to have attacked and killed 16 northern hunters on March 16 as they were traveling from Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
After being accused of kidnapping by some vigilante members, the travelers were beaten and lynched; however, ten were saved, and two injured were sent to the hospital for medical attention.
