Police Inspector Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Brutalizing His Children
There is growing public anger in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, following the horrific brutalization of three children by their own father, who has been identified as Police Inspector John Udeh. The incident occurred over the weekend when the officer, attached to the Anti-Cultism unit of the Igbogene police formation, subjected his children to severe physical assault based on accusations of witchcraft.
Neighbours Intervene, Victims Rescued with Severe Injuries
Alert neighbours who witnessed the disturbing event quickly notified personnel from the State Security Patrol unit, known as Door Akpor. The security team responded promptly, rescuing the brutally assaulted children and transporting them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
One of the young victims, despite suffering from broken legs and severely bruised, bleeding faces, managed to identify her father as the perpetrator. She revealed that their mother had previously fled the household due to domestic violence, after which their father turned his aggression toward them, claiming they were witches and wizards.
Anti-GBV Groups and Authorities Swift Response
The case immediately drew the attention of prominent anti-gender-based violence organizations in Bayelsa. Dr. Boma Toney Miebai, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Bayelsa chapter, alongside Dr. Dise Harry of the National Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence, and Barr. Dianna Pius of the Do Foundation, Bayelsa chapter, acted quickly to report the matter to the police.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Gender, represented by the Permanent Secretary, also visited both the police station and the hospital to gather firsthand information about the incident.
Dr. Miebai expressed serious concerns about the children's safety and confirmed that the case had been officially reported to the Akenfa Police Station. She is actively pushing for charges of attempted murder and criminal assault to be brought against the accused police inspector.
Police Commissioner Orders Immediate Arrest
Dr. Harry commended State Commissioner of Police Francis Idu for his rapid response to the situation. "The CP has ordered the arrest of the accused and the transfer of the case to the police headquarters," she confirmed.
Despite the critical nature of their injuries, Dr. Harry reported that the children's condition has now stabilized. She made a public appeal, stating, "We are calling on public-spirited individuals and groups to assist them in getting their lives back."
When contacted by journalists, Commissioner Idu confirmed the development and stated that the accused policeman had been arrested and is currently in custody awaiting further investigation and potential prosecution.
