A 47-year-old man identified as Emi has died after collapsing during a traditional punishment in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, triggering unrest in the community.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in Ekeowe, followed allegations that the man assaulted a 10-year-old girl. Community sources said the child had been returning from a farm with her aunt when the suspect allegedly attacked her in a nearby bush.
Under a local custom, individuals accused of such offences are subjected to corporal punishment involving caning by members of the community. In this case, the prescribed penalty was 10 strokes from each of the 12 families in the community.
Witnesses said tensions rose as some residents proposed alternative penalties, including monetary settlements, but these were rejected by others who insisted the full punishment be carried out.
The suspect reportedly collapsed after receiving about 40 strokes. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The incident sparked immediate chaos, with angry youths taking to the streets, prompting the deployment of soldiers from a nearby military base in Ogboinbiri to restore order.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Southern Ijaw council chairman, Ayebaitari Easterday, condemned the mob action, stating that while the alleged crime was serious, vigilante justice was unacceptable.
“As much as the council does not condone the attempted assault of a minor, the action of the youths is alien. It would have been commendable if the matter had been reported to security agencies for lawful action,” he said.
Authorities said calm has since been restored following intervention by security operatives and local officials.
Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident. They are currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa. Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed said he was yet to receive full details of the case at the time of filing this report.
