How members of Edo State Security Network beat me to stupor – Activist

By Jethro Ibileke

A human rights activist, Okhai Okhani, has narrated how members of the Edo State Security Network beat him severely without provocation.

Okhani, who is the president of the Edo North Unity Forum, disclosed that the incident occurred last week at the annual awards ceremony to honor elected officials in the Edo North Senatorial district, which was held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

Narrating his ordeal, the activist stated that what was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into his worst nightmare. He said that before the event began, he stepped out to get something to eat, but suddenly, he saw a Toyota Hilux and a Sienna bus carrying the Edo State vigilantes, allegedly led by one Abubakar Saliu.

“They stormed the venue of the event, shooting in the air, and people ran for their lives,” Okhani recounted. “They assaulted me and bundled me into their Hilux, where they started beating me with their boots all over my body.”

Okhani added that the vigilantes then took him to a secluded area and beat him severely before taking him to the Auchi Area Command. “They took me to the Auchi Area Command and handed me over to the Area Commander, ACP Lawrence Adjihu, saying I should be dumped in the cell, and then they left,” he said.

According to Okhani, he was held in the cell without food or water from 10 am till 5 am the following day. The police did not allow anyone, including his wife, to visit him. Okhani also stated that neither the police nor the vigilantes told him why he was being detained, and no statements were taken from him or his attackers. Okhani further alleged that during the assault, the vigilantes stole his phones and the awards he intended to present.

The activist said he could not attribute the attack to any particular person or group, as he is not a member of any political party.

Reacting to the allegations, the State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a thorough investigation to find and arrest the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Concerned Edo Citizens has demanded justice for their comrade. The group also called for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the vigilante members involved in the abduction and assault.