Kelvin of Kokori: The Saga Continues

Kelvin of Kokori Part 3: Armed youths go on rampage

*20 cars smashed, burnt

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A burning police Hilux van

Fresh violence rocked Kokori Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday morning when supporters of alleged notorious kidnapped kingpin and leader of armed robbery syndicate, Kelvin Oniarah, went on rampage

Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo and two first class monarchs narrowly escaped death when armed militias  opened fire on the palace of the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ogurimerime Ukori 1, in the town. 

The 

armed hoodlums, numbering over 30, are believed to be members of the criminal empire under the overlord of notorious armed robbery and kidnap kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah.

The attack came about one week after troops came under intense gunfire from the gang in the wake of Oniarah's arrested last Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

Eyewitnesses said over 20 vehicles on the entourage of the PDP Chieftain, who was on a  campaign trail for next Saturday's Delta Central Senatorial bye-election in the state, were destroyed.

Two Toyota Hilux vans carrying security agents were set on fire by the criminals.

It was gathered that  HRM Ogurimerime Ukori 1 and his ‎Abraka counterpart, HRM Majoroh were receiving Aguariavwodo's team when the armed hoodlum opened fire on the palace.

Security agents, including mobile policemen attached to the politician and other party stalwarts were overpowered by the rampaging gang members.

The mobile policemen ‎reportedly joined other guests in beating hasty retreat from the onslaught of the hoodlums. 

It was gathered that Aguariavwodo, the two kings and over 100 others were held hostage by the gunmen for about one hour before the Commanding Officer of 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col VC Ibeh led a rescue mission that freed them.

A source in the PDP's aspirant team said, "It was traumatic. We got there a few minutes late and the meeting was just commencing with the traditional presentation of kola nuts when we heard heavy report of gunfire."

The incident was the second of its nature in about a week since the most notorious kidnap suspect, Kelvin Oniarah was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security last Wednesday.  

PDP Youth Leader in the state, Arthur Akpowowo, who was part of the team, confirmed the report in a telephone chat with our reporter.

He said, "We were in the palace, the monarch was welcoming us (campaign team) in our (Urhobo) traditional way with kola nut when the shooting started. It was about 10:30 and they started shooting and destroying people's car parked outside the palace."

Akpowowo‎ said after some time there was respite from the heavy staccato of gun fire, prompting guests who parked their cars outside to go and rush them into the palace's expansive yard.

"After some time, they c‎ame back and started burning people's car outside. After a long while the CO of Agbarha (222 Battalion) came and led the people out of the town. As am speaking with  yo‎u now the soldiers are leading us out through Isiokolo", he added. 

...Emerhor Condemns attack on Aguariavwodo 

Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC ) candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor yesterday condemned the attack in the strongest term.

Aguariavwodo - caught in the crossfire

Speaking to journalists at Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state,  Olorogun Emerhor  urged the people of the district to shun violence in the forthcoming senatorial election and any election in the state.

He said; “While in this campaign train it has come to our notice that our fellow contestant and candidate of the PDP, Chief Aguariawodo Emmanuel went on a Campaign trip to Ethiope East, somewhere near Kokori and there was some violence. We do not have the full details of that violence. We just heard that his entourage was attacked. We want to make it clear that we of the APC do not support violence.”

“We strongly condemned what we heard happened there. We want a level playing ground for all candidates. We do not ask, request, or tolerate any person, including our supporters engaging in acts of violence, as we also ask for a fair playing ground from all that is concerned. 

"We condemn this act, even though we do not have the full details, in very strong terms,” he further stated.