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A 47-year-old man identified as Emi Sigah died in the Ekeowe community of southern Ijaw, Bayelsa state, after being flogged over the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred on March 25, triggered unrest in the riverine community and prompted the deployment of security personnel.
Community sources said the deceased allegedly ambushed and assaulted the minor in a bush while she was returning from a farm with her aunt.
In accordance with local custom, the community leadership ordered a penalty of 120 lashes — consisting of 10 strokes from each of the village’s 12 families — to serve as a deterrent.
Reports indicate that during the proceedings, some residents proposed the fine option of N15,000 and N50,000 in a bid to halt the corporal punishment.
The offers were reportedly rejected by the wider community who insisted on the enforcement of the traditional penalty.
Sigah reportedly lost consciousness after receiving 40 strokes. He was transported to the community hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
News of his death sparked immediate protests as youths took to the streets. Soldiers from the Ogboinbiri base were subsequently deployed in the community to prevent an escalation.
Musa Mohammed, spokesperson of the Bayelsa police command, told TheCable that law enforcement has begun a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“Four suspects have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yenagoa,” Mohammed said.
