29th March, 2017
The e-commerce platform Jumia, on Wednesday released an official statement condemning the attack on its dispatch rider in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Three suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the incident which occurred at 4 Adaede Street by Location, Off Ada George Rd Port Harcourt.
The corpse of the dispatch rider was discovered in a septic tank in the house.
Juliet Anammah, Chief Executive officer of Jumia Nigeria said in the statement:
“It is with saddened hearts that we announce the ongoing police investigation on the disappearance of a delivery associate of one of our partners which has been possibly linked to the recovery of a deceased body by police investigators.
The associate was employed by our third-party logistics partner in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Jumia Nigeria’s regional management is working full time with the partner, the local police and the family of the associate to investigate the case.
While the full facts are yet to be known, the delivery associate was reported to have been last seen on Saturday during his delivery runs. We thus await the results of police investigation on the matter.
While we continue to hope for the best possible outcome, we ask that the general public joins us in upholding the family and the logistics partner with prayers and support during this sensitive and difficult time.
Delivery associates and logistic partners are an integral part of our ecommerce business. They are a hardworking force of dedicated men and women who go through rain, sun and tough terrain to deliver to our customers’ expectations. We condemn and stand against all forms of verbal or physical assault against them and regard security on the job of the utmost importance.
We acknowledge and appreciate the public support that has been shown to the family, our partner and Jumia. We ask that continued support and prayers be offered on behalf of the associate’s family during the ongoing investigation, even as we also respect their privacy at this time.”
See photos of the dispatch rider as he was being taken out of the septic tank.
Photographs by Christian Onwugbolu