Imo Women Protest Alleged Police Brutality

Imo Women Protest Alleged Police Brutality

In a significant display of civil unrest, over 500 women took to the streets of Mmahu community in the oil-producing area of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, on Monday. The demonstration was a response to alleged police brutality that has reportedly plagued their communities.

The protesters, armed with placards bearing messages such as “Police brutality must stop,” “Kill and Bury stop killing innocent souls,” and “Our Pastor must be released,” called upon the State, Federal Governments, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene.

The spokesperson for the protesters, Mrs. Anwulika Omogo, accused a police team led by Inspector Chika Okeabatta, known as ‘Kill and Bury’, of brutalizing the communities. Okeabatta, alleged to be a former member of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), is claimed to have recruited unknown state actors to form a militia group around the Egbema axis.

This group is said to attack, kill, and arrest innocent residents under false criminal charges. The recent arrest and detention of the community’s President-General, Pastor Noble Omogo, in an illegal cell for three days without charge or investigation, was highlighted as a case in point.

The women emphasized that Egbema is a peaceful community and urged the government to address the situation before it escalates into potential retaliation from their children. Mrs. Love Nzeoma, another protester, expressed the community’s reluctance to resort to self-defense, fearing the consequences it could have on lives and government installations.

At the time of reporting, the Police spokesman in Imo, ASP Henry Okoye, had not provided an official statement but promised to do so after contacting the Area Commander of Ohaji/Egbema.

The protest in Imo is a stark reminder of the tensions between law enforcement and civilians in Nigeria, echoing concerns of police conduct and the urgent need for reform. The community’s call for action is clear, and the authorities’ response will be closely watched by those advocating for justice and accountability.