Family of Slain Rivers Varsity Student Demands Justice

The family of Julius Okpor, a 300-level student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, who was shot and killed last Saturday, has called for a full investigation to ensure justice is served.

In response to reports suggesting that the student was involved in cult activities, the family strongly denied the claims. Julius’ elder brother, Ambrose Okpor, speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, maintained that his brother was not a cultist.

According to the Rivers State Police Command, the incident occurred during a suspected clash between rival cult groups in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the deceased hailed from the Okposi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

However, Ambrose disputed the police account, saying he was alerted by a friend of the deceased who reported that Julius had been critically injured. He rushed to the scene but found that his brother had already died. He stated that both the police and local vigilantes were present at the scene.

Ambrose also clarified that contrary to initial reports, Julius’ body was deposited at the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt, not the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, as earlier claimed by the police.

The family is now urging the authorities to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Julius’ death.