A wave of protest has engulfed the Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State following the fatal shooting of a young man by a police officer attached to the Omagwa Division of the Rivers State Police Command.
The victim, identified as Chikuma Egbule, a native of the community, was reportedly gunned down by the officer, sparking immediate outrage among residents.
Omagwa, which hosts the Port Harcourt International Airport, quickly became a hotbed of demonstrations as angry youths took to the streets to demand justice.
In a bid to express their grievances, the protesters initially attempted to take Egbule’s body to the Omagwa Divisional Police Station.
However, security operatives at the station prevented them from gaining entry, leading the crowd to block the highway that connects the airport to Owerri, Imo State.
The blockade caused significant gridlock, disrupting movement along the busy route.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that the officer responsible for the shooting had been arrested and that law enforcement authorities had restored order in the area.
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“The command is aware, and the CP is on top of the situation. Normalcy has now been restored, and adequate security is present on the ground to prevent any breach of peace,” she said via a WhatsApp message.
She further disclosed that the victim’s body had been moved to the morgue while investigations into the incident were underway.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the case will be thoroughly investigated and justice served.