06/05/2023
Udho Nye Udu Upata
Information Unit
Kings Road - Edeoha Town
Ahoada East LGA
Rivers State, Nigeria
Press Release
Ekpeye Killings: Upata Monarch Bemoans Daily Massacre of People, Calls for Unity of Purpose
The Upata Traditional Council has expressed great concern with the incessant cult related killings and destruction of property in Ekpeye land in recent times.
The Council called for an end to what it described as the "general atmosphere of fear and progressive militarization" of Ekpeye communities by armed cultists.
HRM Nye Udu Felix Enene Otuwarikpo, Fnipr who is the traditional ruler spoke on behalf of the Council during an interactive session organized by the Uzugbani Ekpeye in commemoration of the 1 year anniversary of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, HM Eze (Amb.) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Ph.D, CNA, FNIM, MNIMN, JP, AP.
The session which attracted top businessmen and women, academia, politicians, youth leaders, women leaders, community leaders, security chiefs and high ranking traditional Ruler's in Ekpeye and beyond, held at the Ekpeye Palace Hall, Ula Upata community.
While he noted that the current insecurity can be addressed through "counseling but if it fails, drastic actions has to be deployed to achieve peace. If we are interested, Ekpeye will be peaceful in 24 hours. We must be decisive to end the incessant killings in various parts of Ekpeye."
Against the backdrop of calls that traditional rulers should intervene in the lingering insecurity in the land, Nye Udu Otuwarikpo said while it is their primary responsibility to secure their Kingdoms, he absorbed the traditional institution of any blame over the biting insecurity, pointing out that "we don't control security fund to fight crime and criminality."
He assured that the Upata Traditional Council will always stand with all citizens across Ekpeye communities and share in their pains at this critical time, while he urged Ekpeye people to support the government and one another at what he described as "critical time."
On Ekpeye unity, Nye Udu Otuwarikpo said the time is ripe to "rebuild Ekpeye. Let's stop the gossip and face realities. It's time to stop the ongoing rascality. It is time to advice ourselves against unruly acts and behavior. We need each other if we must make progress as an ethnic nation."
Comrade Oyagiri Monday
SA on Media/Publicity
06/05/2023