Tensions flared in Port Harcourt on Tuesday as youths from Ogoni communities staged a protest against the recent killings of several Ogoni natives, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.
Organised under the banner of the South-South Youth Initiative, the protesters marched through major streets of the Rivers State capital to the state police command headquarters, chanting slogans and wielding placards with messages such as “Stop the Killings in Ogoni” and “Police Intervene in the Killings of Ogoni People.”
The group submitted a formal petition to the police and called for swift action to prevent further bloodshed in their communities.
Leading the protest, Saviour Oscar, Director of the South-South Youth Initiative, condemned the continued violence in Ogoniland and accused security agencies of failing to act.
“Our people are being killed, and no one is being held accountable. We demand immediate arrests and prosecution,” he said.
The protest came in response to reports of rising attacks by armed men, suspected to be herdsmen, targeting rural communities in Ogoni, a region already grappling with years of environmental and political turmoil.
The protesters were received by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Alhassan Kawu, who assured them their concerns would be delivered to the Commissioner of Police.
“We have heard your demands and will ensure your petition gets to the right quarters,” he said.
However, a moment of tension erupted as protest leaders questioned the police over the lack of visible arrests or deterrent actions.
In a video circulating on social media, Oscar is seen in a heated exchange with officers, prompting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Iyke Okoro, to intervene.
“There are ongoing security efforts targeted at apprehending those responsible. We understand your pain and are working towards restoring peace,” Okoro said.
The protesters warned that if the killings persist without intervention, communities may be forced to adopt self-defence measures.
