Woman Seeks Justice as Vigilante Group Kills Son

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A 60-year old woman named Helen Odiazor has cried out for justice over the killing of her son, Melody, the same night her husband died.

Already, State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, has waded into the matter by inviting the Divisional Police Officer of Saint Saviour Police Station and the vigilante group that allegedly killed Melody.

Late Melody, an apprentice tipper driver was said to have been shot by some vigilante group at Tipper Garage along Saint Saviour road at about 9pm when he was returning home after being informed about his father’s death.

He was said to have been shot alongside two other boys and their bodies were displayed at the St Saviour Police Station.

His mother, Helen, who was in tears said it was painful for her to lose her husband and her son the same time.
Helen said her husband died in a hospital on November 8 while she was informed about her son’s death at about 4am the following day.

She stated that her son was on his way home on hearing the death of his father when he was shot by Vigilante Men in St Saviour.

The widow insisted that her son was not an armed robber.
Sister to the deceased, Rachel, said policemen told the family that their brother was not dead but being treated for gunshot injuries.

She said the police refused to disclose the hospital or take the family to the hospital where they said her brother was being treated for gunshot injuries.

“They (Police) said there were three of them that were shot that night. Police said one died instantly, my brother was seriously injured while one is in custody.”

Commenting later on the incident, CP Kokumo said he has invited all parties to a meeting for proper briefing.
He added that the impression given to the police was that vigilante group had an encounter with armed robbers, noting however that another information has emerged about the killing