Man Dies After Traditional Punishment Over Alleged Sexual Assault in Bayelsa
Community Tradition and Tragic Outcome Highlight Tensions Over Justice in Bayelsa
- A 47-year-old man died after receiving a traditional flogging for allegedly assaulting a minor in Ekowe community
- The community follows a long-standing custom of administering up to 120 strokes as a deterrent against sexual offences
- Local authorities have restored order and arrested four individuals connected to the incident
A 47-year-old man, identified as Emi Sigah, has died following a mob-administered flogging in Ekowe community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Wednesday, March 26. He was accused of sexually assaulting a minor.
The man reportedly collapsed after receiving approximately 40 strokes of a cane, part of a customary punishment in the community that can go up to 120 strokes for individuals accused of sexual offences.
Residents explained that in Ekowe, each of the 12 families contributes 10 strokes, totaling 120, as part of a longstanding tradition meant to discourage sexual misconduct, which is considered a serious moral violation in the community.
Locals say the minor had accompanied her aunt to a nearby farm when she was allegedly approached by the man and subsequently rescued.
During the traditional punishment, the accused reportedly fainted after 40 strokes and was later confirmed dead. Some community members reportedly tried to intervene, offering to halt the flogging with financial compensation, but local youths insisted on following the customary procedure.
Southern Ijaw Local Government Chairman, Mr. Target Segibo, confirmed the incident in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ayebaitari Easterday. He said that normalcy has since returned to the community with the assistance of local authorities and security personnel.
He added that the community youth leader and three others have been taken into custody in connection with the man’s death and are currently being held at the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa.
