Decomposing body of Rivers woman found in stream

Panic has gripped Ogoda community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State following the discovery of the decomposing remains of an unidentified young woman in a stream near the community.

The woman was suspected to have been abducted and killed, with some of her body parts allegedly missing.

The remains were recovered on Sunday afternoon by security personnel and the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Eugene Epelle, who visited the scene.

Speaking at the scene, Epelle condemned the incident and vowed that anyone found responsible would face the full weight of the law.

He said, “I condemn this act totally. I will make sure I get to the root of this matter. Anyone involved will go in for it. This matter will not end in just investigation. It will go to court for this lady to get justice.”

The chairman also called for calm and assured residents of improved security across the local government area.

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ogoda community, Chief Tom Obutu, said residents were living in fear following the discovery.

Obutu alleged that the woman was abducted by a group of young men from a neighbouring community, killed and dumped near the river after some of her body parts were allegedly removed.

• Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover drone in Kano
• Decomposing body of woman found in Rivers stream
• Dutch firm to turn flare gas to power, cooking gas in Rivers

He appealed to law enforcement agencies to intensify their presence in the community and protect residents from criminal attacks.

He said, “Some boys, about five in number, conspired and abducted a girl from Ahoada East to Ogoda community, after which the girl was killed.

“They removed her breast, private part and collected her heart, then went and dropped her in a stream very close to the village.

“I went to the police and gave my report. The security personnel and the Ahoada West Local Government Chairman all moved to Ogoda community. Without minding anything, we entered the swamp and finally recovered the corpse floating on the water.”

Our correspondent learnt that the remains had been deposited in a mortuary, although authorities were yet to establish the identity of the deceased.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident, saying investigation was ongoing.

“Although we are yet to find the identity of the woman, investigation is ongoing to ascertain her identity and apprehend those behind the act,” Agabe said.