Nine people have been arrested in relation to the recent unrest in Egbeda community, in Emohua Local Council of Rivers State.The Guardian learnt that one person was killed while a house and a car were torched in the clash, which took place on Friday.
It was gathered that the clash resulted from a protest against the selection of a community member as liaison officer of the construction company responsible for the Egbeda-Elele-Omuku Road project.
One of the protesters, George Isaiah, claimed that the event was peaceful until members of the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) attacked them on their way back. This reportedly led to the death of Innocent Didia.
“The police have taken the person that shot him to the station,” he said. Isaiah said the killing enraged youths of the community, who, in a reprisal, attacked the residence of the local vigilante commander and set it on fire. A Sienna car, reportedly used by vigilantes for operations, was also torched by the irate youths.
It was gathered that members of the local vigilante group were among the nine arrested. Confirming the development, spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Blessing Innocent Didia, the grief-stricken widow of the deceased, has appealed to the Rivers State government for assistance. She lamented that her family was being subjected to threats and intimidations for daring to seek justice for her late husband.
“They have killed my husband and left three children for me to train. I am jobless, and they come to my house to threaten me. The children and I are not safe. I am appealing to the state government to rescue me, and they should not allow this matter to be swept under the carpet. I need justice,” she said.
The elder brother of the deceased, Jonathan Didia, who recounted the tragic events surrounding his brother’s death during the protest, appealed to the police and relevant authorities to hold the vigilante commander and members accountable for their actions. He also urged them to ensure that justice is served through proper prosecution.
