Port Harcourt Protests Erupt Over Police Shooting That Killed 22-Year-Old UNIPORT Graduate
Tension has risen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the death of 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo, who was reportedly shot by police officers.
The incident has triggered protests in the city, while Anthony’s family is demanding justice and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Anthony’s father, Princewill Obodo, alleged that the officers involved in the shooting were paid to kill his son.
According to him, the officers were originally assigned to provide security during the Nigerian Bar Association conference at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia before they were allegedly redeployed to the area where Anthony was shot.
Father Questions Circumstances Surrounding Son’s Death
Obodo said police authorities who visited the family’s residence after the incident allegedly confirmed that Anthony was innocent.
He described the death as devastating for the family and called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The family’s allegations have added to growing concerns surrounding the circumstances that led to the young graduate being shot.
Protest Breaks Out at Agip Junction
The killing sparked a protest on Monday as youths gathered at Agip Junction in the Ada George area of Port Harcourt to express their anger.
The protesters reportedly blocked sections of the road and set tyres on fire, causing significant disruption to traffic and movement around the area.
The situation was eventually brought under control after Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, arrived at the scene.
Adepoju condemned the incident and assured the protesters that the matter would be properly addressed and justice served.
Police Officers Allegedly Involved in Shooting in Custody
The police commissioner disclosed that the officers allegedly involved in Anthony’s shooting had been taken into police custody.
He also said he had spoken with Anthony’s father and revealed that a meeting involving the family and the officers accused of the shooting would take place at the Rivers State Police Command headquarters.
The development comes as the family continues to seek answers over what led to the fatal shooting.
How the Shooting Happened
The incident reportedly occurred at about 5pm last Thursday after Anthony allegedly failed to stop when police officers flagged down his vehicle at a junction.
An eyewitness said one of the officers then opened fire at the vehicle, hitting Anthony.
The 22-year-old reportedly lost control of the vehicle after being shot and subsequently crashed into three people.
