RIVERS RE-RUN: DEATH OF NYSC MEMBER CONFIRMED

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), confirmed Monday, that one of its makeshift staff, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr. Samuel Dumebi Okonta, was killed during the widespread violence and electoral irregularities that marred the Rivers re-run elections.

A statement from the NYSC stated that the deceased, Samuel Okonta with call-up number RV/15B/5539, died during the exercise in Rivers State at the weekend. Until his death, he served at GCSS Ukpeliede, he was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Ahoada West Local Government Area. He was also an orphan.

NYSC promised to ensure that Okonta’s killers do not go unpunished.

“The NYSC shall work with the relevant agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“We consider Okonta Samuel’s death as a great loss, not only to his immediate family, but also to all of us in the NYSC family and the entire nation.

“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest, and give his immediate family and the rest of us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” it said.

The NYSC also confirmed that another corps member who was with the deceased at the time of the attack in Ahoada, escaped from the scene with the help of security agents.

“We also wish to state that another corps member – Anana Aniekan Udoetor (with call-up number RV/15B/5537), who was initially reported missing, was found hale and hearty.”