ABUJA – A Corps member Okonta Dumebi Samuel, who was murdered by unknown gunmen during the recent re-run elections in Rivers State, had been laid to rest in his hometown of Illah in Delta State.
It was a moment of tears and eulogy as people from all walks of life, including a high-powered delegation of the National Youth Service Corps, joined the bereaved family to pay their last respect to Okonta Samuel. A statement by the NYSC in Abuja said that his remains were committed to mother earth, Friday, at his family compound at about 3:00 pm after a burial service in his honour at the Christ Holy Family Catholic Church, Illah. Okonta (RV/15B/5539) was hit by his assailants while returning to his base after submitting the poll results at the INEC collation centre in Ahoada West Local Government Area. In his funeral sermon, the Vicar of Issele-Uku Regular Reverend Father Peter Mbuogwu, who led other officiating priests, frowned at the way politicians encouraged thuggery, urging them to fear God and to always remember that He alone gives power to whom He wishes. Mbuogwu also advised youth in the country to resist being used by selfish persons to commit atrocities and, in stead, use their God-given talents for the good of the society. He prayed God to grant late Okonta Samuel eternal rest. He said Nigerians should immortalize him and his likes by resolving to respect the sanctity of human life and to embrace peaceful and credible approaches to electoral activities