The family of Julius Okpor, a 300-level student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, has called for a thorough investigation into his killing, insisting he was not involved in cult activities as widely speculated.
Julius, who hailed from Okposi community in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, was shot dead on Saturday during what police described as a suspected clash between rival cult groups in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor LGA.
However, speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the deceased’s elder brother, Ambrose Okpor, strongly refuted the cultism claims, describing them as false and hurtful.
“My brother was never a cultist,” Ambrose said. “He was a peace-loving student with no record of criminal behavior.”
Ambrose narrated how he was alerted to the incident by a friend and neighbour of Julius, who called around 9 p.m. on July 19, informing him that Julius had been shot and was in critical condition.
Rushing to the scene on Cevelia Street, Rumuolumeni, he met police officers and members of the OSPAC vigilante group, only to find that Julius had already died from gunshot wounds.
He also clarified discrepancies in the reports regarding where his brother’s body was taken.
“We took his remains to the Military Hospital on Aba Road, not the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital as claimed in the police report,” he said.
Visibly distraught, Ambrose emphasized the family’s commitment to seeking justice.
“We will not allow this to be swept under the rug. Julius was our brother. He was a 300-level Computer Science student, well-known in his neighbourhood for being responsible and respectful.
In fact, his neighbours described him as their caretaker and spoke highly of his character.”
He urged the Nigeria Police to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and ensure justice is served.
“Our only demand is justice.
We need the authorities to find his killers and bring them to book. Julius deserves that much.”