Angry youths from Ogoni communities in Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Tuesday to protest the killing of their people, allegedly by suspected herdsmen.
Carrying placards with messages like “stop the killings in ogoni” and “police intervene in the killings of ogoni people,” the protesters marched to the Rivers State Police Command to demand urgent action.
The protest was led by Saviour Oscar, the Director of the South-South Youth Initiative. He told reporters that the killings have continued for too long without any serious police response.
“Our people are being killed, and no one is being held accountable. We demand immediate arrests and prosecution,” Oscar said.
At the police command, the protesters were received by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Alhassan Kawu. He assured them that their petition would be delivered to the Commissioner of Police.
But the atmosphere became tense as Oscar and other leaders expressed frustration over the lack of arrests. A short video shows a heated argument between the protesters and the police team.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Iyke Okoro, later addressed the crowd and pleaded for calm. He said police operations are ongoing to find those behind the killings.
“There are ongoing security efforts targeted at apprehending those responsible. We understand your pain and are working towards restoring peace,” he said.
The protesters warned that if the killings continue, some communities may have no choice but to defend themselves.
The protest has once again raised concerns over the rising insecurity in rural parts of Rivers State, with many calling for more support from both state and federal government to protect lives in Ogoniland.
