Rapist dies in Bayelsa after 40 out of 120 lashes of cane

A 47 years old identified simply as Emi, collapsed and died while undergoing a traditional punishment for the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl in Ekeowe, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state.

Road to his death followed the community decision to abide by the stipulated punishment of flogging for such offence, rejecting plea for payment of money in the instead.

The death situation however threw the community into chaos as youths went on rampage before the military were drafted to the community to maintain peace.

According to community sources, the victim was returning from a farm with her aunt when Emi allegedly ambushed and assaulted her in a nearby bush. 

Under a longstanding local custom, the punishment for such an act involves receiving 10 strokes of the cane from each of the community’s 12 families, totaling 120 lashes.

Tensions mounted as some residents offered alternatives to the brutal flogging, with one proposing N50, 000 and another N15, 000 to spare the suspect. 

However, the wider community rejected the offers, insisting that the full traditional penalty be enforced as a deterrent.

During the marathon flogging session, Emi collapsed and lost consciousness after receiving just 40 strokes—a third of the prescribed punishment. He was later confirmed dead upon arrival at the community hospital.

The death sparked immediate pandemonium, with angry youths flooding the streets. 

Armed soldiers from the Ogboinbiri base were deployed to restore order, following fears that the situation could escalate further.

The chief press secretary to the Southern Ijaw council chairman, Mr. Ayebaitari Easterday, condemned the mob action, emphasizing that the government does not condone such vigilante measures. 

He said: “As much as the council does not condone the repugnant attempted rape of the minor, the action of the youths is alien. 

It would have been commendable if the matter had been reported to security agencies for lawful action.”