A yet-to-be-identified man was found dead along the Obiri-Ikwerre Flyover axis of the East-West Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday. The discovery has sparked outrage among residents who are demanding better security in the area.
According to an eyewitness, unknown persons allegedly dropped the victim out of a Toyota Venza vehicle and drove off. The eyewitness claimed that before the victim died, he revealed that he had been kidnapped and forced to drink an unknown substance.
Eyewitness Account
The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victim was left in the middle of the road in the early hours of the day. The man reportedly appeared weak and barely conscious when he was pushed out of the moving vehicle. Residents rushed to his aid, but he could only mutter a few words before collapsing.
"He said he was kidnapped and they made him drink something," the eyewitness told our correspondent. "He did not give his name or where he came from."
The victim was said to have died shortly after being abandoned. His body remained at the scene for several hours as residents waited for authorities to arrive.
Police Response Questioned
The eyewitness further claimed that residents alerted a nearby police patrol team, but no immediate action was taken. As of about 3:30 p.m., the man's body was still lying at the scene despite heavy rain. This lack of response has raised concerns about the effectiveness of emergency security services in the state.
Residents expressed frustration over the delay, noting that the body was exposed to the elements for hours. Some said they attempted to call the police emergency lines but got no response.
Community Reaction
The incident has left many in the area shaken. Residents are urging the Rivers State Government and security agencies to improve security in the state and do more to protect people's lives and property. "This is becoming too frequent. People are being killed like animals," a local trader said.
Another resident, who identified himself as a businessman, added: "We need the government to act. If they can't protect us, what is the point of the security agencies?"
The body was eventually taken away by a team of policemen who arrived hours later, according to some onlookers. However, the identity of the deceased remains unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Security Concerns in Rivers State
This incident highlights the growing insecurity in Rivers State, particularly along the East-West Road corridor. Kidnapping and drug-related crimes have been on the rise in the area, with victims often abandoned after being stripped of their valuables or forced to consume harmful substances.
Security analysts say the development calls for urgent action from both the state and federal governments. They argue that the police need better equipment and training to respond to such emergencies swiftly.
The Rivers State Police Command has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to reach the command's spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful at the time of writing.
Calls for Justice
Residents are now calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. They also urge anyone with information about the victim to come forward to help identify him, so that his family can be contacted.
Photos of the deceased have been posted on social media for family and friends to identify him. The images have been widely shared, with many expressing sympathy and demanding justice for the unknown man.
"May his soul rest in peace," one social media user wrote. "But we also pray that those who did this are caught and brought to book."
As the sun sets on Port Harcourt, many residents are left with unanswered questions. Who was this man? What happened to him? And why did the authorities fail to act promptly?
The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved security measures in Nigeria. Until such measures are put in place, the fear of kidnapping and violent crime will continue to haunt communities across the country.
