Egbeda Community in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, was rocked by a brutal clash between youths and vigilantes, resulting in two tragic deaths and the obliteration of two homes.
Rivers State Police Command has made a breakthrough in its investigation, arresting five ESPAC vigilantes accused of involvement in the recent violence, marking a crucial step towards reestablishing peace and stability in the area.
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that one of the victims was Mr. Oregi, a prominent figure from Omuipo community in Egbeda Town, while the identity of the second victim remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Investigations revealed that the fatal clash was sparked by a contentious protest, where youths, including the deceased, were decrying the appointment of a community leader as liaison officer for the road construction project, a move deemed unacceptable by many.
ATN, New York learned that the youths were reportedly warned by the local vigilante members not to embark on the protest, but that the youths went on with the peaceful procession as planned.
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The source in the community, who did not want his name in print, narrated that while the protest was ongoing, some of the ESPAC members intercepted the protesters at Egbeda roundabout and urged them to go home, but that the youths had refused, maintaining that they have the right to peacefully express their concerns.
As tensions boiled over, Muffi, the commander of ESPAC, allegedly snapped and opened fire on the protesters, claiming the lives of Oregi and multiple others in a hail of bullets.
As the situation teetered on the brink of collapse, Egbeda Police Division officers intervened, arresting Muffi and four ESPAC members. But their efforts were offset by the actions of a mob of youths, who, driven by rage, razed the homes of the ESPAC Commander and another, plunging the community into deeper turmoil.
When approached for comment, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Command’s spokesperson, exercised caution, neither confirming nor dismissing the emerging details.