Women in Delta protest half-naked against kinsmen’s detention

Over 500 women in Egbudu-Akah community in Aniocha North Local Council Area of Delta State, at the weekend protest half- naked against police detention of their kinsmen.

The women, who barricaded the entrance of the state police headquarters in Asaba, urged them to release the over 10 people arrested from the community. The detained people were alleged to have been involved in a recent unrest over a kingship tussle between two half-brothers.

According to a source, the clash between Paul Nzemeka Okolie and Solomon Okolie was over the ancient chieftaincy stool, which became vacant following the death of Alfred Okolie 1, on September 30 2016.

The protesters alleged that the suspects had been in the police custody for over three months, adding that one of the elderly detainees had died in the custody from an undisclosed ailment.

The protesters, who chanted war songs, caused a heavy traffic gridlock along the popular Okpanam Road for over three hours. They carried placards with various inscriptions such as, “Police, you are biased,” “Release our brothers and sisters to us,” “We cannot go to the farm again,” “Mr. President, come to our rescue.”

Mrs. Mordi Onyeka, who spoke on their behalf, condemned the illegal detention of Solomon and 11 other elders for over three months. According to her, they are worried that the police had detained the prince and others for so long without charging them to court.

She further alleged that the police have been routinely coming to the community to intimidate, harass and arrest people whom they perceive to be in the opposition.

Onyeka explained that when they were at the headquarters some days ago, the Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim asked them to send three elders to negotiate their release.

The women blamed the police for takings sides in a dispute between two contenders and creating tension in the community.

While pleading with them to support the police to restore peace to the community, the commissioner promised to release the detained persons after concluding his personal investigation.