A wave of protests has hit the Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, after a police officer allegedly shot and killed a young man, Chikuma Egbule, a native of the area.
The incident, which involved an officer attached to the Omagwa Division of the Rivers State Police Command, sparked immediate outrage among residents. Omagwa, which hosts the Port Harcourt International Airport, quickly became the scene of unrest.
In response, protesters attempted to carry the victim’s body to the Omagwa Divisional Police Station but were stopped by officers. They then blocked the highway leading to the airport and Owerri, Imo State, causing heavy traffic gridlock.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the officer responsible had been arrested.
“The command is aware, and the CP is on top of the situation. Normalcy has been restored, and adequate security is in place to prevent further unrest,” she said in a statement.
She also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue while investigations are ongoing.
The killing has renewed concerns over police brutality in Nigeria, with many calling for justice for the slain youth. As the investigation unfolds, residents are demanding swift action against the officer involved.
