Brutalised Edo activist demands justice after alleged vigilante attack

DDM News

(DDM) – A political activist, Comrade Okhai Okhani, has cried out for justice after a brutal assault allegedly carried out by armed vigilantes in Edo State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, and has since gone viral through disturbing video footage.

The footage, which shows Okhani being violently attacked by multiple individuals, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability across Edo North.

Okhani, who is currently hospitalised in critical condition, has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene.

He also urged the Edo State Government to investigate the incident, apprehend the attackers, and ensure that justice is served without delay.

The activist is the Coordinator of Edo North Unity Worldwide, a civic group that monitors and celebrates democratic dividends in the region.

Speaking via telephone from his hospital bed, Okhani recounted how over 50 uniformed vigilantes and thugs stormed the venue of a scheduled stakeholders’ summit.

The event, he explained, was meant to assess and honour public officeholders from Edo North for their positive contributions to governance.

According to Okhani, formal invitations were sent to prominent politicians, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Hon. Peter Akpatason, Hon. Anamero Sunday, and Hon. Hussein Mustapher.

He said the event had received official approval from the Acting Chairman of Etsako West LGA, Hon. Valentine Okuilagwe.

But moments before commencement, a group of armed men allegedly arrived on motorcycles and unleashed violence on the venue.

Okhani stated that participants were assaulted, valuable equipment was destroyed, and guests were forced to flee the area.

He alleged that the attack was politically motivated, accusing unnamed politicians of masterminding the assault due to fears of unfavourable public appraisal.

He claimed that the armed men beat him with machetes and clubs, before throwing him into a Hilux truck while continuing to brutalise him with rifle butts.

“I recognised some of the vigilante members,” he said. “They were familiar faces from the local security unit.”

The activist further alleged that he was dragged to the Nigeria Police Area Command in Auchi where he was detained without formal charges.

The police allegedly claimed that the venue was not approved for the event, despite documented authorisation from the council authorities.

He said he was released only after officers at the Command saw the critical condition he was in and handed him over to his wife for medical care.

The incident, he maintained, reflects a dangerous trend where local vigilante groups are weaponised for political vendettas.

According to Okhani, the officers involved in detaining him were led by ACP Lawrence Adjihu and CSP Albert Udeme.

He accused them of enabling political intimidation by allowing such attacks under their jurisdiction.

In his statement, Okhani said he remains in pain and is undergoing treatment for head injuries, broken ribs, and internal trauma.

He called for solidarity, public pressure, and immediate reforms to halt further abuse by vigilante operatives across Edo State.

He also appealed for the protection of civil society actors from politically induced violence.

Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Moses Iyamu, confirmed awareness of the incident.

Iyamu stated that the Command has launched an investigation and promised that the findings will be made public.

Public reaction has been swift, with many condemning the use of vigilantes for political suppression in a democratic state.

Observers warn that unchecked vigilante operations could lead to lawlessness and undermine public trust in local security systems.

Civil society organisations are also calling on the Edo State Government to disband any unofficial security units used for political purposes.

As Okhani battles for recovery, the call for justice continues to echo through social and traditional media.

The story remains a chilling reminder of how dissent and civic engagement are increasingly met with violence in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds and stakeholders respond.

🚨 Follow DDM WhatsApp channel Now! 🚨

Get breaking news, hot gist, and updates FIRST!

📲 Click to join 👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

Don’t be the last to know! 🔥

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook