A woman in Rivers State has accused the chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of orchestrating an assault against her after she shared a viral video highlighting the poor condition of a community secondary school. The council boss has denied the allegation, insisting the incident was a misunderstanding involving internal staff discipline.
Winnie Mila alleged that Eugene Epelle organised thugs to attack her shortly after she posted footage of a deteriorating secondary school in Oduoku Community. The video, shared on March 1, showed damaged facilities and appealed for urgent government intervention.
She said the school lacked basic infrastructure, including classroom furniture, electricity, windows, and adequate teaching staff. According to her, student enrollment had dropped significantly compared to previous years due to the poor learning environment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Mila claimed the incident occurred around noon on Sunday after church service. She alleged that the council chairman visited her residence, confronted her mother, and accused her of attempting to tarnish his public image through the social media post.
Mila further alleged that the chairman directed his brother, Mon Dichita Epele, to physically assault her. She said he forced his way into the family compound and attacked her before neighbours intervened.
She stated that she was strangled and sustained neck injuries during the altercation. Mila also named Gustav Kakoro as a witness, alleging he prevented further harm by stopping an attempt to strike her with a shovel.
Mila maintained that the council chairman remained present throughout the incident with security personnel but did not intervene.
Responding to the claims, Epelle denied taking part in any assault. He said Mila is a staff member of the local government and should have sought official clearance before publishing the video online.
The chairman stated that tensions rose during a visit to her residence when he spoke with her mother and she later confronted him. He said the situation escalated after his younger brother reacted to what he described as disrespectful remarks.
Epelle acknowledged that his brother pushed Mila but denied authorising violence. He added that any injury she sustained was accidental and occurred during the confrontation.
He emphasised that the dispute did not involve an organised attack and urged the public to view the matter as an internal disagreement rather than a deliberate act of violence.
