By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The abduction and brutalization of a Delta State journalist and Vice President of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, Onduku Charles Oyinbi, has ignited public outrage and concerns over the conduct of local anti-cult groups in the state.
Our reporter gathered that the incident occurred on the night of October 4, 2024, around 8:45 PM, Oyinbi was working at his barbing salon on Old Ekete Road when he was allegedly accosted by four armed members of the Ovwian anti-cult volunteers.
According to his legal representatives, Oyinbi and a female visitor were forcibly taken under accusations of vandalizing a patrol vehicle.
Witnesses report that Oyinbi and others were paraded through the streets for several hours before being taken to a police station.
During this time, Oyinbi was subjected to severe violence, sustaining injuries including bruising to his left eye, which had recently undergone surgery.
The group reportedly used tear gas, exacerbating his condition and leading to his collapse.
Additionally, about N450,000, kept for his POS business, was stolen from his salon during the raid.
Oyinbi’s lawyers are calling for justice, arguing that the actions of the anti-cult group violate his rights and undermine the rule of law.
The case has raised questions about the authority and oversight of local vigilante groups, particularly their engagement with law enforcement and the impact of their actions on community safety.
The Delta State Police Command has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. Activists and concerned citizens are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The abduction and brutalization of a Delta State journalist and Vice President of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, Onduku Charles Oyinbi, has ignited public outrage and concerns over the conduct of local anti-cult groups in the state.
Our reporter gathered that the incident occurred on the night of October 4, 2024, around 8:45 PM, Oyinbi was working at his barbing salon on Old Ekete Road when he was allegedly accosted by four armed members of the Ovwian anti-cult volunteers.
According to his legal representatives, Oyinbi and a female visitor were forcibly taken under accusations of vandalizing a patrol vehicle.
Witnesses report that Oyinbi and others were paraded through the streets for several hours before being taken to a police station.
During this time, Oyinbi was subjected to severe violence, sustaining injuries including bruising to his left eye, which had recently undergone surgery.
The group reportedly used tear gas, exacerbating his condition and leading to his collapse.
Additionally, about N450,000, kept for his POS business, was stolen from his salon during the raid.
Oyinbi’s lawyers are calling for justice, arguing that the actions of the anti-cult group violate his rights and undermine the rule of law.
The case has raised questions about the authority and oversight of local vigilante groups, particularly their engagement with law enforcement and the impact of their actions on community safety.
The Delta State Police Command has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. Activists and concerned citizens are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
