Killings fast becoming a way of life in Rivers, says senator

Andrew Uchendu, senator representing Rivers east, says killings are becoming “a way of life” in Rivers state

Uchendu spoke on the floor of the senate on Tuesday when he raised a matter of public importance.

The lawmaker said the residents go to bed believing that they are secure but people “come from nowhere” and attack them.

“It is sad for me to inform the senate of the very disturbing and deteriorating situation in Rivers state concerning the killing of innocent citizens by unknown gunmen,” he said.

“This is not the case of political killings, banditry or ethical violence. What is most disturbing is that across the length and breadth of the state, villagers and innocent citizens sleep killed in their homes at night believing that they are secure and some people will come from nowhere and invade villages.

“The most disturbing aspect of the killings is that they are not just shooting people to death or decapitating people or beheading them but they are now getting them burnt. It is unbelievable and unimaginable.

“When the inspector-general of police was here to brief us, I told him that what is going on in Rivers state is like a way of life.”

Thereafter, Senate President Bukola Saraki said a “formal motion” be brought on the next legislative day so that the matter could be looked into.