The somber atmosphere looms over Omueke in Isiokpo, Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State as the community prepares for the burial of the late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife and son.

The town is set to bid farewell to the philanthropist and financial mogul, with ceremonies scheduled for today.

The remains of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, accompanied by a massive motorcade, departed the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, making its way to Omueke, Isiokpo. The community, adorned in black attire, awaits the arrival of their son for the final rites.

Expressing their grief and traditional rituals, Isiokpo married women, numbering over 200, gathered at the entrance to offer prayers, sprinkling water on the ground, and sobbing uncontrollably. One of them lamented, “Our son, Herbert, was taking care of us, widows, and children in this area. Every Christmas, he brings bags of rice and other foodstuff to every family here. We are praying God to remove the spirit of untimely death and stop our prominent people from dying. We are pained.”

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, and community elders received Dr. Wigwe’s body on its arrival in Isiokpo on Friday morning. Nwanosike described Wigwe’s death as a great loss, emphasizing his visionary contributions not only to his people but to the entire Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

As preparations for the burial ceremony intensify, around 30 private jets are expected to convey dignitaries, including governors, ministers, politicians, captains of industries, and traditional rulers, to pay their last respects.

Security measures have been heightened by the Rivers State Police Command to ensure a peaceful and well-organized burial.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that operatives, including Mobile policemen, would be deployed to manage the expected large gathering of mourners during the burial ceremony.