Edith CHUKU
Barely 24 hours after a peaceful protest by members of the community, the youth president of Yeghe Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Steve Neebee, has been released from detention.
Aggrieved youths from Ogoni communities in Rivers State took to the streets on Friday, in a peaceful demonstration to demand the immediate release of their detained youth leader, intensifying concerns over his continued incarceration.
The demonstrators, largely drawn from Yeghe converged in Bori, widely regarded as the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people. The protest, though peaceful, drew significant attention as the youths marched in solidarity, expressing frustration over what they described as the prolonged and unjust detention of their youth president.
According to the protesters, Neebee had remained in custody for over a week following his arrest under circumstances they claim was not been clearly communicated to the community. They insisted that his continued detention without visible progress on his case raised serious questions about fairness and due process.
The protest procession was marked by symbolic gestures and organized movement. Some participants carried fresh plant leaves, a traditional sign often associated with peace and non-violence, while others rode motorcycles in a slow-moving convoy. Many held placards bearing inscriptions calling for justice, transparency, and the immediate release of their leader.
The protesters made their way to the Bori Police Area Command, where they formally presented their grievances to the Area Commander, Abba Frank. The community representatives addressed the police authority, urging swift intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Youth Assembly Secretary, Mr Bright Ngiah, stressed that the protest was not an act of confrontation but a call for justice. He emphasized that the youths of Yeghe and the wider Ogoni community would continue to pursue peaceful means in seeking the release of their leader.
He was joined by other prominent youth figures, including former acting youth president, Barile Penu, and the President of the National Union of Bua-Yeghe Students, Mr Barisuka Toporo. Both echoed similar concerns, highlighting the need for fairness, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
The speakers collectively warned that prolonged silence or inaction on the matter could heighten tensions within the community, urging authorities to act promptly to prevent unnecessary escalation.
In his response, the area commander, Abba Frank acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters and commended them for maintaining a peaceful approach. He assured the crowd of his commitment to upholding peace and order in the area, while also promising to look into the matter with urgency.
Frank further stated that steps would be taken to review the circumstances surrounding Neebee’s arrest and detention, adding that the police would engage relevant authorities to ensure that justice was served.
Though reasons for the youth leader’s arrest has not been revealed, but Neebee was set free on Saturday, which sparked jubilation as residents came out in their number to welcome him.
