Outrage in Delta as Community Chairman Allegedly Orders Public Flogging Over Facebook Criticism of Abandoned NDDC Roads

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

A disturbing video allegedly showing a Delta community chairman ordering the public flogging of a resident over a Facebook post criticising abandoned Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) road projects has triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria, with human rights advocates and community leaders demanding justice.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 9, 2026, in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has generated intense reactions on social media after footage of the alleged assault spread rapidly across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

The victim, identified as Godspower Okedi, was allegedly invited to appear before the Emevor Community leadership after publishing a Facebook post questioning the condition of several NDDC road projects in the area. His post also reportedly raised concerns about the role of a Port Harcourt-based indigene said to have facilitated the projects.

According to eyewitness accounts, what began as a meeting quickly turned into a violent assault.

Witnesses alleged that Okedi was forced to lie face down on the ground before being repeatedly flogged with canes, sticks, and pieces of wood in the presence of community members. The incident was reportedly carried out on the instruction of the community chairman, Lucky Okeremu, and was captured on video.

One eyewitness described the incident as “barbaric and degrading,” alleging that the victim was beaten repeatedly despite offering no resistance.

The graphic footage has since ignited widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians describing the alleged punishment as a form of jungle justice and a serious violation of the victim’s constitutional rights.

The controversy has also drawn renewed attention to longstanding complaints over abandoned and poorly executed NDDC infrastructure projects in several Niger Delta communities.

Residents of Emevor have repeatedly expressed frustration over deteriorating roads, saying the poor state of the infrastructure has disrupted transportation, farming activities, and local commerce. Okedi’s Facebook post reportedly highlighted these concerns before the incident occurred.

Reacting to the development, the President General of Emevor Community, Emmanuel Erezih, popularly known as Okpomo, condemned the alleged assault, stating that no citizen should be subjected to violence because of comments made on social media.

He said disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and lawful processes, stressing that respect for human dignity must remain paramount within the community.

The President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, Eniwake Orogun, also denounced the incident and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police for investigation.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International Nigeria equally condemned the alleged public flogging, describing it as a violation of fundamental human rights and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

The Delta State Police Command has since confirmed the arrest of Lucky Okeremu, along with the chairman of the community vigilante group and the chairman of the community task force.

The suspects have reportedly been arraigned before a competent court on charges including unlawful apprehension, assault occasioning bodily harm, infliction of injuries, and criminal intimidation.

The case has sparked fresh debate over the limits of traditional community authority, the protection of constitutional rights, and the growing need to safeguard citizens’ freedom of expression without fear of intimidation or violence.

As legal proceedings continue, many Nigerians have continued to demand justice for the victim while renewing calls for greater transparency and accountability in the execution of NDDC projects across the Niger Delta.

The incident remains under investigation, and additional developments are expected as the matter progresses through the courts.