One dead, nine arrested as vigilantes, protesters clash in Rivers
About nine persons, including members of a local vigilant group, have been nabbed by the police for their alleged involvement in shooting and killing a man identified as Oregi in Egbeda community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was learnt that the deceased, who hailed from Omuipo clan, also in Egbeda community and others embarked on a protest march on Friday over the choice of a particular Community Liason Officer to a construction company handling the Egbeda-Elele Road Construction.
A source in the community, who spoke in confidence, said that the youths were reportedly warned by the local vigilant group called OSPAC to abstain from the protest but that they decided to go against the orrder.
He said while the protest was ongoing, some of the OSPAC members intercepted them at Egbeda roundabout and appealed to them to stop, but the youths were adamant saying they had the right to peaceful demonstration.
He said: “They (protesters) even carried a casket to the company premises but left after some money was given to them.
“But instead of stopping the protests they started marching round Egbeda community singing war songs that warranted the OSPAC to confront them.
“In the process the OSPAC Commander got angry and opened fire on the protesters.
“That was how Oregi was hit by a bullet resulting in his death. Oregi is a young man from Omuipo community. Some of the other protesters received injuries from the gunshots.”
The source said irked by the death of the young man, the youths immediately headed straight for the house of the vigilante commander identified as Muffi and set it ablaze.
He said: “They went to the OSPAC Commander’s house and burnt it. We even heard that his father was inside the house but I can’t confirm that part of the story,”
” So you know community was in confusion and the police came and arrested Muffi with his fellow vigilante men. “
When contacted, Rivers police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the death and the arrest, saying investigation was ongoing.
Iringe-Koko said: “Yes I can confirm the incident. Nine persons have been arrested, the OSPAC Commander included. They are suspects in the death of the young man.
“The matter has been translated to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.”
