MWUN condemns killing of ex-VPG Etete, calls for swift security action
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has condemned the killing of its former Vice President-General, Comrade (Chief) Alfred Etete, describing the incident as a brutal attack not only on
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has condemned the killing of its former Vice President-General, Comrade (Chief) Alfred Etete, describing the incident as a brutal attack not only on a respected labour leader but also on peace and security in the country’s maritime communities.
In a statement issued by its leadership and signed by its Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the Union urged security agencies, particularly the police, to urgently investigate the killing and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The Union warned that continued insecurity poses risks to labour harmony and maritime operations in the Niger Delta.
The statement said Comrade Etete, a retired unionist and traditional chief of Agwut-Obolo community in Rivers State, was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence. The Union noted that his death sent shockwaves through organised labour and the maritime sector, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and committed union administrator.
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The President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, described the killing as a “deep shock” and an unacceptable act of violence against a man who devoted his working life to the service of maritime workers and later his community.
“Comrade Etete was a very fine gentleman, a Comrade par excellence and a role model worthy of emulation. He served the Union diligently as Vice President-General before his retirement and remained committed to service and humanity until his life was cut short," Bunu said.
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Etete, a Niger Delta-born labour activist, served meritoriously within MWUN until his retirement. Colleagues who worked with him during his active years recall his “rare commitment to duty, good conduct, and strong ability to relate with comrades.”
According to the Union, after retiring from active labour service, Etete returned to the Agwut-Obolo community, where he continued to serve as a traditional leader, contributing his experience and knowledge to grassroots leadership and community development.
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Bunu described the late unionist as “versatile in handling labour matters,” adding that “his strong penchant for relating with his Comrades cannot be equated with anything else; he was a jolly good Comrade who came, saw and conquered.”
Beyond mourning the loss, MWUN raised concerns over the broader implications of such killings, stressing that unchecked violence undermines community stability and threatens the operating environment for maritime workers and businesses across coastal states.
Bunu said, “Nobody has the right of monopoly to take anyone’s life in cold blood for any reason whatsoever,” calling on security agencies to “fish out the killers for the sake of justice and posterity.”
While expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies to resolve the case, the Union offered condolences to Etete’s immediate family and community, praying that “the Almighty God will not forsake the family he left behind.”
Comrade Etete was a member of the Seamen, NIWA, and Water Transport Branch of MWUN.
