Rage In Edo As Youths Burn Police Station After Cultists Kill Rape Victim’s Uncle
Tension in Uwelu Community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, as enraged youths set a police station ablaze following the murder of one Mr. Osamuyi Omorodion, 28, an uncle of the girl who was reportedly raped by a gang of cultists recently.
Mr. Osamuyi was shot dead at his family residence, 7, Osayuwu Street, Uwelu road, Benin City by three unidentified gunmen who stormed the building about 7:00 PM on Monday, December 12, 2022.
Findings revealed that Mr. Osamuyi Omorodion was murdered after he led other youths of the Community to protest what they referred to as long-standing police inaction in the reported case of rape of his niece last month.
Reports revealed further that during the peaceful protest, Mr. Osamuyi Omorodion called on police authorities to ensure justice is served in the rape of his niece by arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.
It was gathered that Mr. Osamuyi Omorodion was at home with his aged mother and the children of his sister Lillian Gold when the gunmen struck shooting him as he attempted to protect one of the children from being attacked by the raging invaders.
Findings also revealed that Lillian Gold was not at home when the armed men struck.
A source revealed that the family has reported several cases of escalating threats from persons suspected to members of cult gangs since the rape incident and subsequent outcry for prosecution of the perpetrators.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the attackers had been seen loitering near the street days before the killing.
During our correspondent’s visit blood stains were still visible at the scene.
The aged mother of the deceased Mrs. Janet Omorodion who was visibly traumatised as she lamented the gruesome murder of her son surrounded by sympathisers, narrated that the gunmen demanded for her daughter Lillian on invading the premises.
“They asked for my daughter Lillian as they looked around for her vowing to eliminate her and her family.
“Suddenly one of them sighted my son Osamuyi, and shouted here is her brother, then a defeaning sound hit my ears, it was a gunshot that killed my son, they walked away”, she sobbed.
“A police station that cannot protect the community should not exist. We have been living in fear while the police claim investigations are ongoing. Now a man has been killed. We are now at the mercy of cultists who boast to have the network that can deal with their enemies anywhere in this country”, a sympathiser stated.
The mob stormed Ogida police station, setting fire to parts of the building, including the charge room and complaints section. However, the armoury, detention cells, and records office were reportedly left untouched.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor described the incident as unfortunate.
SP Nwabuzor said the police got a distress call that a man was shot in his home as operatives swiftly responded.
He narrated that before the officers could arrive the scene the armed men had executed their evil plot leaving their victim in pool of his own blood.
“On sighting the police rescue team, the wailing crowd suddenly became violent, hurled stones at the officers who professionally retreated.
“From the crime scene they formed a violent group and attacked the police station meant to protect the area. The police Command uses this opportunity to sympathise with the bereaved family, however, Lillian Gold and her family will have to absolve themselves of complexity in the attack of our facility.
“Intelligence at our disposal revealed that Lillian Gold and her family members have been inciting the public against the police for not arresting those she accused of sexually molesting her little daughter”, SP Nwabuzor stated.
He however did not give update on police investigation into the rape case in the embattled Community but said no arrests have been confirmed at the time of filing this report.
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