The Delta State Police Command has arrested the chairman of Emevor Community, Lucky Okeremu, alongside two other community leaders over the alleged public assault and humiliation of a resident, Godspower Okedi.
The other suspects in police custody are the community vigilante chairman and the chairman of the community task force. They were arrested following an incident that sparked widespread outrage after a video of the alleged assault circulated on social media.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday in Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. According to community sources, Okedi had criticised an alleged plan in a community WhatsApp group for women whose farmlands were destroyed by suspected herdsmen to register for compensation said to have been paid by the herders.
Okedi reportedly argued that accepting such compensation could encourage further destruction of farmlands and worsen insecurity in the area.
However, the community leadership denied the allegation, insisting that discussions with representatives of the Arewa community were part of efforts to stop herdsmen from grazing in Emevor and restore peace.
Sources said Okedi was invited to appear before the community leadership over his comments. Shortly after arriving, he was allegedly attacked by some members of the executive, forced to lie face down and repeatedly flogged with sticks while the incident was recorded on video.
The footage, which later went viral, attracted widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians demanding the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Inside Delta state:
Fear Grips Oghara in Delta as Gunmen Kidnap Couple, Kill Husband Despite Ransom Payment
Delta Women Protest Over Collapsed Orhuwhorun-Owhrode Road
Wanted Kidnap Suspect Arrested as Delta Security Team Rescues Abducted Woman
President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, Eniwake Orogun, condemned the incident, saying no individual had the right to subject another person to such treatment. He expressed confidence that the police would handle the matter appropriately.
Similarly, President-General of the Emevor Community, Emmanuel Erezih, also denounced the assault, describing it as unacceptable and stating that no social media post justified intimidation or physical punishment.
A senior police officer at the Delta State Police Area Command in Ozoro confirmed that the three suspects had been taken into custody, while other persons allegedly linked to the incident remain at large after failing to honour police invitations.
Police said investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
About The Author
