The brutal assault on Comrade Okhai Okani, President of the Edo North Unity Forum, has sparked outrage across Edo State as the Concerned Edo Citizens issue a powerful statement condemning what they call an act of jungle justice and a calculated attempt to silence civic engagement.
According to the group, Comrade Okani was savagely attacked by over 50 armed vigilantes led by one Agbor, who had only recently assumed leadership in the area. The assault allegedly occurred during a peaceful stakeholders’ meeting where elected officials were expected to give account of their stewardship. Witnesses say the vigilantes stormed the venue, beat Okani mercilessly, abducted him, and took him to an isolated area where he narrowly escaped death. The group claims he was only taken to a police station after public outcry erupted—an attempt, they say, to cover up a failed extrajudicial killing.
Even more disturbing to many is the alleged complicity of the Auchi Area Commander, ACP Lawrence, who is accused of detaining the injured activist for over three hours without medical attention. Rather than act swiftly to protect a citizen under threat, the Commander reportedly cited “orders from above” as justification for the detention—an explanation that has sparked public fury and demands for his immediate redeployment and investigation.
In their press release, the Concerned Edo Citizens stated:
“This isn’t just about one man. It’s about the safety of every Nigerian. Jungle justice is not justice—it’s barbarism. And when law enforcement officers shield perpetrators or look the other way, they become part of the crime.”
The group cited several constitutional breaches, including the right to life, human dignity, personal liberty, and presumption of innocence. They also pointed to the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, calling the assault a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.
Their demands are clear:
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Arrest and prosecution of the vigilante leader Agbor and all accomplices.
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Immediate redeployment and investigation of ACP Lawrence.
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A full probe into the “order from above.”
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Urgent care for Okani—medical, legal, and psychological.
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A state-wide overhaul of vigilante operations.
The statement, signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi (Coordinator) and Comrade Hon. Raphael Aghatise (Secretary General), ends with a warning:
“Silence is not an option. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The calls for accountability are growing louder—and with each passing hour, so is the public demand that justice for Comrade Okani must not be delayed or denied.
