Rivers State youths have blocked all sections of Agip Road by Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, in protest over the reported killing of a young man by a Rivers State Police officer. The protest has resulted in a total blockage of vehicular movement in the affected area.
The demonstration follows the fatal shooting of Anthony Obodo, a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate who was awaiting his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up. Eyewitnesses report that police officers flagged down the vehicle Obodo was driving on Thursday evening at Agip Junction. When he allegedly failed to stop, one officer fired multiple shots. One of the bullets struck Obodo in the back, piercing his chest, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into bystanders. Three persons were injured in the crash, while Obodo was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The father of the deceased, Princewill Obodo, has alleged that the police officers involved were paid to kill his son. He also claimed that police authorities who visited his residence confirmed that Anthony was innocent. The family has been left deeply traumatised and is calling for a thorough investigation and justice.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the officer involved, identified as Corporal Alfred Louis, and members of his team. The command stated that the officers are currently at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and will face disciplinary action. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, condemned the action, stating: “The action is totally condemnable and does not reflect professionalism in policing.”
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that justice would be served . He addressed the protesters at Agip Junction on Monday and warned that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums. He also invited those directly affected to a meeting to discuss the matter and find a peaceful resolution. He confirmed that the police officers allegedly involved in the shooting were in police custody.
The winners: none. The losers: the family of Anthony Obodo, who have lost a son; the residents of Port Harcourt, whose movement has been disrupted; and the Nigeria Police Force, which faces another allegation of misconduct.
Bottom Line: A UNIPORT graduate is dead. Youths are protesting. The police have made arrests. The question is whether justice will be served or the case will join the long list of unresolved police killings.