How vigilante beat me to stupor – Activist
Comrade Okhai Okhani, a human rights activist and president of the Edo North Unity Forum, was reportedly beaten “to a stupor” by members of the Edo State vigilante while hosting an event in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. Narrating his ordeal, a pained Okhani said what was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned […]
Comrade Okhai Okhani, a human rights activist and president of the Edo North Unity Forum, was reportedly beaten “to a stupor” by members of the Edo State vigilante while hosting an event in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Narrating his ordeal, a pained Okhani said what was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into his worst nightmare.
He was holding an annual awards ceremony to honor elected officials in the Edo North Senatorial district and discuss issues like insecurity when the vigilantes attacked.
Okhani said before the event began, he stepped out to get something to eat and saw a Toyota Hilux and a Sienna vehicle carrying the Edo State vigilantes, allegedly led by one Abubakar Saliu.
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“They stormed the venue of the event, shooting in the air, and people ran for their lives. re
“They assaulted me and bundled me into their Hilux, where they started marching on me with their boots all over my body,” he recounted.
He said 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 zoomed off,” he said.
According to Okhani, he was held in the cell from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. without food or water, and the police did not allow anyone, including his wife, to visit. He 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 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.
In response to the incident, the state police spokesperson, 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 called the Concerned Edo Citizens, led by Kola Edokpaye, has demanded justice for Comrade Okhani. The group has called for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the vigilante members involved in the abduction and assault.