PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — Tension has reportedly gripped parts of Rivers State as indigenes of Rundele in Emohua Local Government Area blocked a section of the East-West Road in the community, protesting the alleged police shooting and killing of their son, Anthony Obodo.
The protesters, who took to the road earlier today, demanded justice for Obodo and called for decisive action against the police officer allegedly responsible for his death.
The demonstration reportedly caused significant disruption to vehicular movement along the affected section of the East-West Road, leaving motorists stranded as protesters demanded answers from the authorities.
The development follows the August 27 incident at Agip-Ada George Junction in Port Harcourt, where Obodo was allegedly shot by a police officer.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death and identified the officer allegedly involved as Corporal Alfred Louis.
According to the Police Command, the officer and other members of his team were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for investigation and possible disciplinary action.
The Command described the incident as condemnable and stressed that the alleged conduct does not represent the standards of professionalism expected from officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
However, controversy remains over exactly what happened before the fatal shooting.
While eyewitness accounts reportedly alleged that police officers chased Obodo’s vehicle before shots were fired, the preliminary police account presented a different version of events.
According to the police account, an argument and subsequent scuffle reportedly occurred before the firearm was discharged.
The conflicting accounts have intensified calls for a transparent and credible investigation capable of establishing exactly what transpired at the scene.
For the protesters and members of the Rundele community, the central demand remains justice for their son and accountability for anyone found responsible for his death.
The incident has also reignited concerns about the relationship between law enforcement officers and civilians, particularly over the use of firearms during encounters with members of the public.
Community members are expected to continue pressing authorities for answers while the police investigation progresses.
The Police Command’s decision to subject the alleged officer and his team to investigation is expected to be closely watched by the community, human rights advocates and other stakeholders.
Authorities are also under pressure to ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally, independently and without interference, while protecting the rights of all parties involved.
The East-West Road remains a critical transportation corridor, and the disruption caused by the protest highlights the growing frustration within the community over the alleged circumstances surrounding Obodo’s death.
IBN NEWS understands that the situation has generated strong emotions among residents, with calls for calm, justice and accountability.
While the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain contested, the death of Anthony Obodo has now become a major community issue, with Rundele indigenes demanding that the matter should not be swept under the carpet.
The public will be watching closely as the Rivers State Police Command continues its investigation and determines what further disciplinary or legal action may follow.
IBN NEWS will continue to monitor developments and bring you verified updates as they emerge.
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