Unidentified gunmen have reportedly killed two aides of the Rivers State Local Government Area Chairman, Dr Thomas Bariere.
The victims were identified as Philip Barikui, the chairman’s protocol aide, and Barikpe Barimamma. They were killed by the gunmen at Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni ethnic nationality, on Monday.
The incident occurred less than a month after the former Chief Security Officer to the same LGA chairman, Letam Kiine, was also killed in Bori, a development that attracted widespread condemnation.
It was gathered that some individuals in the area who are opposed to the administration of the LGA chairman had been working to frustrate governance in the council.
However, the attackers reportedly resurfaced on Monday and breached the security measures put in place by the council before killing the two aides in Bori, the council headquarters.
One of the victims, Barikui, reportedly died at the scene, while Barimamma was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, the council chairman, Bariere, has commiserated with the families of the victims and vowed that those responsible for the killings would not escape justice.
The chairman was also said to have visited the scene of the incident at Maakoro Street, Bori, where he expressed sadness over the gruesome killings.
Bariere, who later visited the family of Barikui, prayed to God to comfort the people of Khana and expose those responsible for the killings.
Bariere prayed for comfort for the people of Khana and called for those responsible for the killings to be identified and brought to justice.
“Heavenly Father, Khana is in pain; come down and be our comforter. You brought us to Khana to provide leadership and to save lives. O God, it is clear that our government is under attack. We pray that all those behind the killing of this harmless, innocent, and humble young man, Philip Barikui, and Barikpe Barimamma, be exposed, and that our security efforts will lead us to them so that justice will be served.”, He prayed.
During the visit, Bariere addressed Philip’s mother and described the killing as deeply painful, saying his relationship with the deceased went beyond that of an employer and an aide.
“Madam, I don’t know who will console who. Philip is your biological son, but I met Philip and my spirit, body and soul accepted Philip, and I can tell you that Philip is my son. In the killing of Philip, I am the one they have killed.”, He said.
At the residence of the second victim, Bariere also assured the family that those behind the killings would be identified and prosecuted.
He assured the Barimamma family that the death of their son would not be in vain, pledging to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are identified and brought to justice.
“As a government, we assure the family of Barikpe that the death of Barimamma will not go in vain. No responsible government will see that type of thing and fold its arms. Bariere Thomas will not rest until those who perpetrated this criminal act are brought to justice,” he said.