A commercial motorcyclist popularly called Okada rider allegedly raped and killed a young lady, Odide Regina Uke, in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was gathered that Regina was killed after arriving the community from Abuja to celebrate Christmas with her family.
According to report, Regina arrived Bekwarra on Thursday night, 22nd December 2022, and boarded a motorcycle to her village, Abuagbor under Nyanya Ward but was never seen alive again as all efforts made to find her proved abortive.
Regina’s corpse was found about a week later somewhere around Ugboro and Ijibor Community axis in the same Bekwarra LG.
It was gathered that she was dispossessed of her belongings, raped and murdered allegedly by the suspect.
The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government, Hon. Dr. Emeka, Josephat Owan, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, January 2, 2023, said he has set up a high powered body of investigation to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome murder.
“I received with great shock the terrible news of the cruel murder of Odide Regina Uke. Her untimely death is not an accident, but a direct act of Man’s inhumanity to Man,” the statement read.
“I condemn in totality this barbaric and dastardly act meted on this innocent and promising child by one of us (a Cyclist) in our once peaceful Bekwarra nation. My Deepest condolences and utmost sympathy goes to the family.
“I am assuring the family and the Bekwarra Nation that I will leave no stone unturned, as plans are already in place to set up a high powered body of investigation to unravel the mystery behind the murder of the innocent girl.”
“Thorough investigation shall be put in place to ensure that the law takes its full course on anyone found wanting or culpable in the circumstance.” he added.
Meanwhile, Regina was laid to rest on Saturday, December 31.