PORT HARCOURT— Tensions escalated in Egbeda community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as a clash between local youths and vigilante members resulted in the death of one person and the burning of two houses.
The altercation, which took place during a protest against the appointment of a community liaison officer, led to the arrest of five members of the Egbeda Security Planning and Advisory Committee (ESPAC) by state police operatives. The victim has been identified as Mr. Oregi, a resident of Omuipo community in Egbeda Town.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trouble began when local youths staged a peaceful march through the community to express their dissatisfaction with the appointment of a liaison officer for the company handling the Egbeda-Elele Road construction. Despite warnings from ESPAC members not to proceed, the youths continued their protest.
The situation deteriorated when ESPAC members, led by their commander known as Muffi, intercepted the protesters at Egbeda roundabout and demanded they disperse. The youths, insisting on their right to peaceful protest, refused to leave. In response, Muffi allegedly opened fire on the crowd, fatally wounding Oregi.
Police from the Egbeda division responded to the ensuing chaos, arresting Muffi and four other ESPAC members. In retaliation for the shooting, a group of enraged youths set fire to the homes of the ESPAC commander and another vigilante member.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that five suspects have been arrested and firearms recovered. The police are continuing their investigation into the clash.
The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with community members calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the actions of the vigilante group.
