Chukwudi Akasike, Port Harcourt


Some suspected cult members have burnt down a family house in Okpako- Ejemah , in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State , killing three family members .

One Alhaji Hamza Garuba , who was a trailer driver, his wife and stepson, were said to have been locked inside the house by the hoodlums , who set fire to the house.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 10. 55pm on Sunday.

Garuba’ s relative , Muhammed Sanni, explained that one of the hoodlums had attempted to rape Garuba ’ s wife before he was stabbed to death by the man.

Sanni said Garuba ’ s action could have angered the suspected cult members .

He said , “ The stabbing of the criminal might have infuriated other gang members , who quickly ran out of the house, locked the entrance door and set the house ablaze . My brother, his wife and a stepson were killed.
“ Nobody was around to rescue them and they were burnt beyond recognition. ”

The South - South , South - East Coordinator of Arewa Consultative Forum , Alhaji Musa Saidu, said , “ What happened at Okpako- Ejemah was a case of robbery and arson. ”
The state Police Public Relations Officer , Mr . Nnamdi Omoni , said two suspects had been arrested.

cc:lalasticlala