Pastor Prince Wilson Killed After Reported Abduction in Tai, Church Community Demands Investigation
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
TAI, Rivers State — The people of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State and members of the church community have expressed grief and concern following the reported killing of Pastor Prince Wilson of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade Church (GEWC), Obia-Ama, Andoni LGA.
Pastor Wilson was reportedly abducted by yet-to-be-identified persons in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area, before he was later found dead.
According to accounts circulating within the community, the cleric was discovered abandoned in a pool of blood, sparking concern among residents, church members and those who knew him.
The circumstances surrounding the reported abduction and killing have not been fully established, and details of the incident remain subject to investigation by the relevant security authorities.
Pastor Wilson was described by members of the church community as a peaceful, friendly and kind-hearted young man who was known for his cheerful disposition and warm relationship with people around him.
He served as a pastor of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade Church in Obia-Ama, a congregation under GEWC Ataba. His pastoral responsibilities frequently brought him to Ataba, where he was reportedly well known and regarded by many residents as a familiar member of the community.
His death has consequently generated sadness beyond his immediate congregation, with members of Ataba Kingdom joining his family and church community in mourning.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the safety of residents and travellers within parts of Rivers State, particularly in communities where incidents of abduction and violent crime have previously generated security concerns.
The people of Ataba Kingdom and members of the church community have called on the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Pastor Wilson's death.
They specifically urged the authorities responsible for security in Tai Local Government Area to establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The community also appealed for a transparent investigation capable of providing answers to Pastor Wilson's family, colleagues, church members and others who knew him.
While condemning the killing, community members stressed that their demand was for justice rather than retaliation.
They urged residents and members of the public with useful information about the reported abduction and killing to provide such information to the appropriate security authorities to assist the investigation.
As the family, church and communities connected to Pastor Wilson mourn his death, questions remain over the circumstances that led to his reported abduction and subsequent killing.
The community is therefore awaiting an official account from the relevant authorities as investigations, if commenced, progress.
Pastor Prince Wilson's death has left his congregation, family, friends and members of Ataba Kingdom mourning a young clergyman remembered for his service, friendliness and commitment to his church community.
His remains are expected to be committed to his family for burial arrangements, subject to the outcome of relevant procedures by the authorities.
The church and community continue to mourn his death while calling for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
Tai Local Government Area
Tai Local Government Area is one of the local government areas in Rivers State, located in the state's Niger Delta region. The area comprises several communities and is situated within the wider Ogoni area of Rivers State. Nonwa, where Pastor Wilson was reportedly abducted, is one of the communities in Tai LGA.
Ataba Kingdom, which is connected to Pastor Wilson through the GEWC church structure, is in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The reported killing has therefore drawn concern from communities across the two local government areas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to official investigation.
