A 47-year-old man, identified as Emi Sigah, has died after he was subjected to a mob flogging over allegations of sexual assault on a minor in Ekowe community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised concerns over the enforcement of traditional justice practices in the area.
Residents of the community said the punishment was in line with a long-standing custom which prescribes caning for persons accused of sexual offences.
According to sources, the man reportedly collapsed after receiving about 40 strokes of the cane during the exercise.
The community’s traditional practice reportedly involves representatives of families administering strokes as a form of deterrence against such offences.
It was gathered that the minor, whose identity is withheld, was allegedly attacked while returning from a farm with a relative before the suspect was apprehended by some residents.
Some members of the community were said to have attempted to stop the punishment, suggesting alternative measures, but others insisted that the customary sanction be carried out.
Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, who confirmed the incident in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ayebaitari Easterday, said calm had been restored following the intervention of security agencies.
He added that the youth president of the community and three others had been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa.
Segibo said authorities were taking steps to ensure justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
