[News] Family demands justice for businessman allegedly murdered by soldier he offered a lift from Port Harcourt to Akwa Ibom

The family of Akwa Ibom businessman, Enobong Jimmy, who was allegedly killed by an army officer he offered a ride, has demanded for justice.

 

LIB reported that the soldier attached to 6 Battalion in Akwa Ibom attacked and killed Enobong, who gave him a ride from Eleme junction, in Port Harcourt to Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom.

 

After allegedly committing the heinous act, the soldier simply identfied as Stephen allegedly dumped the body of the deceased by the roadside and drove away with his car.

 

A reliable family source also revealed to newsmen that the soldier did not only shoot his victim with a rifle, but inflicted several dagger wounds on his chest.

 

 

The suspect, who was later arrested by the police was said to have been released to the military authorities ahead of a court martial.

 

The victim’s family has called on the Federal government and the Nigerian Army to ensure that the murderer is brought to justice.

 

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday May 26, a brother of the deceased, Mr. Idorenyin Ikpongeyen, said that Enobong was on his way to visit his family in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, but met his untimely death at the hands of a security officer who was supposed to protect the citizens.

 

Ikpongeyen, who also disclosed that his late brother was a staff of ECO Clearing & Forwarding Company, Port Harcourt, wondered if it is now a crime for people to offer assistance to others, for fear of being killed.

 

“It is very painful that we had to lose our brother to the hands of ungodly Nigerian army personnel, all because he wanted to steal or reap from where he did not sow. He was married with two daughters, 8years-old and one year old,” Ikongeyen lamented.

 

“I appeal to the Federal government, the Nigerian Army, and the general public to help fight this fight. Also, I beg the Nigerian government to bring the murderer of my brother to justice,”

 

Assistant Director, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army, 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom State, who confirmed that the suspect was a soldier, said they are awaiting directives from Abuja before a press statement on the incident will be issued.

 

“He is a soldier. We have written a statement and forwarded it to Abuja for further directive. So I await the statement from above.” he told Daily Trust.