Angry youths and residents on Monday stormed the Agip Police Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the alleged killing of a young graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, identified as Anthony Obodo.
Obodo, said to be 22 years old, was reportedly a recent graduate awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. He was said to have been using his vehicle for commercial transport services before the incident.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred around the Agip/Ada-George area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where police officers allegedly attempted to stop or pursued the victim’s vehicle.
Witnesses alleged that gunshots were fired during the encounter, leaving Obodo fatally injured. His vehicle reportedly went out of control, while he was later rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The incident sparked anger among youths and residents, who marched to the Agip Police Station to demand justice for the deceased.
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The protesters reportedly accused police personnel of being responsible for the young man’s death and called for those involved to be identified and prosecuted.
However, preliminary accounts from the police reportedly presented a different version of events, indicating that a confrontation and scuffle occurred before the fatal shooting.
The Rivers State Police Command was said to have detained the officer involved, alongside other members of the police team, as investigations into the incident continue.
The killing has generated fresh outrage among residents, with calls for a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death and ensure accountability.
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