A businesswoman in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State has been hospitalised following an alleged assault by members of a council taskforce during an enforcement operation.
The victim, identified as Ogechi Ekweme, is currently receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital after reportedly sustaining severe injuries during the incident, which occurred on July 2.
According to her husband, Ekweme Egwu, who is a wholesale drinks dealer, the taskforce officials confronted his wife over allegations of roadside trading, said to be in violation of a local government directive banning such activities.
Egwu recounted that he was alerted by a passerby who claimed that taskforce operatives were attacking his wife.
Upon arriving at the scene, he alleged that he found officials attempting to confiscate her mobile phone. He said his attempt to intervene led to both of them being assaulted.
He further accused members of the taskforce of using dangerous weapons, including knives and axes, during the attack, resulting in deep cuts to his wife’s leg.
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Due to the severity of her injuries, she was initially taken to a private hospital before being referred to a government facility.
The incident was reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Oyigbo, where Egwu said they were issued a medical report to support her treatment after officers observed the extent of her injuries.
Beyond the alleged assault, Egwu also claimed that the taskforce sealed his shop, effectively cutting off his family’s primary source of livelihood. He is calling for justice and urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Akara Okechukwu, confirmed that council officials were present at the location on the day of the incident.
He stated that the enforcement action was part of ongoing efforts to curb roadside trading, noting that alternative market spaces had been provided for traders.
However, Okechukwu denied authorising the sealing of the couple’s shop, insisting that such action was not carried out under his directive.
The incident has sparked concerns over the conduct of local enforcement agencies and the use of force in regulatory operations.
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