Call for Justice as Rivers Local Government Chairman Allegedly Assaults Woman over Video of School's Poor Condition

A young woman named Winnie Mila has leveled accusations against Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle, the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, alleging that he mobilized thugs to assault her. This occurred after she shared images and videos depicting the deteriorating condition of a government secondary school in her locality.

On March 1, she utilized social media to highlight the poor structure of the school situated in Oduoku Community, Ahoada West, with the intention of attracting support for its much-needed repairs.

In her video, Winnie stated:

"As we all recognize, the future of this country relies on our youth. Without a strong educational foundation, their future could be at risk. Therefore, we urge the chairman, Honorable Eugene Chita Epelle, along with the deputy chairman of Ahoada West, to assist these children. They require school chairs, boards, windows, and overall renovations. The school lacks electricity and teachers. At its peak, over 1,000 students were enrolled, but now fewer than 100 remain."

Subsequently, Winnie recounted at a press conference that just hours after her video gained traction online, the chairman arrived at her residence accompanied by a group of thugs who subsequently assaulted her under his oversight.

Speaking to the press, Winnie described the incident, saying:

"On Sunday, around noon, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle confronted my mother at our home. He accused me of attempting to tarnish his reputation on the internet, claiming my video about the secondary school had prompted numerous calls regarding his conduct. He asserted that I had insulted his office and ordered his brother, Monday Chita Epelle, to teach me a lesson. Monday then entered my compound, assaulted me, and if not for the intervention of my neighbors, he might have killed me as he threatened. He choked me, and I still have neck injuries from the attack. The chairman watched my beating unfold with his security personnel present, and no action was taken."

A video depicting her experience can be viewed below.