Residents of Omagwa Community in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area barricaded a major highway on Sunday, demanding justice after a 42-year-old father of six, Bright Egbule, was fatally shot by a police officer.
The protest disrupted traffic along the busy Port Harcourt-Owerri Road for hours, leaving travelers stranded until local officials intervened.
According to eyewitness accounts shared with Punch Metro, Egbule was at home with his wife on Saturday evening when officers from the Omagwa Police Division stormed their compound.
The police reportedly claimed they were searching for a drug suspect. Witnesses allege that during the operation, an officer opened fire without provocation, striking Egbule in the chest. He died instantly.
A family member, who requested anonymity, said, “They entered our compound aggressively, shouting orders. Minutes later, Bright was on the ground. He wasn’t armed or resisting – this was pure brutality.”
The community swiftly mobilized, carrying Egbule’s body to the highway to demand accountability.
Leaders Urges Calm
Ikwerre LGA Chairman Israel Agbosi intercepted the protesters before they reached the police station, urging restraint.
“This tragedy is unacceptable, but we must allow the law to take its course,” Agbosi said.
He pledged to collaborate with the Rivers State Police Command to identify and prosecute those responsible.
His appeal partially eased tensions, prompting protesters to clear the road.
However, many youths remained defiant, vowing to continue demonstrations until justice is served.
Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, revealing that the accused officer had been detained.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation,” she said. “The deceased’s body has been moved to a mortuary, and we assure the public that due process will prevail.”
Iringe-Koko emphasized the command’s commitment to transparency, adding that security personnel had been deployed to prevent further unrest.
While this case has drawn swift action, similar incidents in Nigeria have raised concerns about police accountability.
A 2020 report by Amnesty International documented over 82 cases of extrajudicial killings by Nigerian security forces between January and August alone, though few resulted in prosecutions.
Omagwa’s protest underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to rebuild public trust.
As investigations proceed, residents await answers – and a signal that justice for Egbule will set a precedent, not another forgotten tragedy.