Dennis Naku, Port Harcourt
Gunmen have shot and killed the Chairman, Community Development Committee of the Mgboshimni Community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers State identified as Ndidi Livingstone.
It was learnt that the gunmen who were dressed in police uniforms drove in a Highlander Jeep and trailed Ndidi to a new generation church in the area, where he had gone to worship on Saturday evening and reportedly shot him, execution style after an initial attempt to kidnap him failed.
A source who pleaded anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident said the gunmen were earlier seen driving around the area.
He stated, “They (the miscreants) were first seen driving round the church and left. It was this January programme that most churches are having that Ndidi attended.
“So, the gunmen left, later drove back, and came down from the vehicle. They were putting on police uniforms so nobody suspected any foul from the way they were dressed.
“It was as if someone was giving them information because as soon as they saw him coming out of the church, they rushed him and tried to force him into their vehicle.
“He was struggling with them and shouting. As soon as he got a little space he fled and was running back into the church when they shot him in the head and the stomach and zoomed off. He died on the spot.”
The source said the incident caused pandemonium in the area, as residents and worshippers scampered for safety for fear of being hit by a stray bullet.
Meanwhile, the family of the slain CDC chairman has called for justice.
Elder brother of the deceased, Godspower Livingstone, told newsmen on Sunday afternoon that his brother was shot and killed by four gunmen in police uniforms with AK-47 rifles.
According to Godspower, “I was in the house when I heard that my immediate younger brother, Ndidi Livingstone had been shot dead at the gate of the church at Rumueme waterside.
“People who saw them said they came with Highlander Jeep tinted glass in Police uniform.
“They tried to push him inside the vehicle. My brother opened the vehicle and saw somebody inside he came out
“As my brother was struggling to go inside the church they finally shot him at his head and stomach.”
Continuing, he said, “My call is that Police and other law enforcement agencies should try and see what they can do over the murder of my brother. We need justice.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.
She stated, “Yes I can confirm the incident. We are investigating to ascertain the circumstances leading g to the killing.
“Already the Commissioner of Police, Olatunde Disu has ordered all tactical units to ensure the perpetrators are appreciated and made to face justice.”
