A community chairman in Delta State has come under heavy criticism after allegedly overseeing the flogging and public humiliation of an indigene over a Facebook post criticising an abandoned NDDC road project.
The incident, which occurred in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from community leaders and residents.
Incident Sparks Outrage in Emevor Community
Godspower Okedi, an indigene of Emevor, was reportedly invited by the community leadership after he posted on Facebook about an abandoned Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) road project in the area. Upon his arrival, he was allegedly attacked by Community Chairman Lucky Okeremu and members of his executive.
According to eyewitness accounts, Okedi was forced to lie face down on the ground and flogged with sticks and pieces of wood. The assault was recorded on video and circulated on social media, triggering public anger.
Reason Behind the Assault
The victim’s Facebook post had criticised the abandonment of the NDDC road project and questioned the role of a Port Harcourt-based indigene who was said to have facilitated the contract.
Residents have expressed shock that a community leader would resort to physical punishment over a social media post, describing the act as barbaric and a clear case of jungle justice.
Community Leaders Condemn the Act
The President General of Emevor Kingdom, Emmanuel Erezih (also known as Okpomo), strongly condemned the incident. He stated that no online post justifies such treatment and described the actions as unacceptable.
The President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide (INYA), Eniwake Orogun, also condemned the assault, noting that no one has the right to treat another person in that manner. He confirmed that the police had invited all parties to the Area Command in Ozoro for further investigation.
Calls for Investigation and Justice
The incident has generated significant debate on social media, with many calling for the arrest and prosecution of those involved. Human rights advocates have warned against the use of physical punishment by community leaders, stressing the need to respect human dignity and the rule of law.
Police are expected to investigate the matter further following the invitation of the parties involved.
The development has once again highlighted concerns over the handling of grievances in communities and the dangers of taking the law into private hands.
