By Queen Madaki
A man identified as Tony Tony has reportedly been arrested and allegedly beaten after leading a peaceful protest over the deplorable condition of roads and other basic amenities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to reports circulating on Saturday, Tony was arrested following his involvement in a protest calling attention to what residents described as worsening infrastructure and poor public services in the area.
The protest reportedly focused on the poor condition of roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, lack of pipe-borne water and the level of poverty affecting residents of Ankpa.
Man Arrested Over Peaceful Protest
Sources alleged that Tony was picked up on the instruction of the Ankpa Local Government Area Chairman after participating in the protest.
It was further alleged that he was subjected to physical assault during or after his arrest, leaving him with injuries and requiring medical attention.
Reports claimed that Tony remained in custody while also battling health complications allegedly resulting from the injuries he sustained.
However, the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the alleged assault could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Protest Raises Concerns Over Basic Infrastructure
The reported protest highlights longstanding concerns over infrastructure and access to basic public services in Ankpa, particularly the condition of roads connecting communities and the availability of essential amenities.
Those behind the protest reportedly sought to draw the attention of authorities to the challenges facing residents and called for urgent government intervention.
The concerns reportedly include deteriorating roads, inadequate healthcare services, lack of reliable pipe-borne water and broader economic hardship among residents.
Calls for Tony’s Safety
Following reports of his arrest, concerned individuals have appealed to the Ankpa Local Government authorities and security agencies to ensure Tony’s safety while in custody.
They also called for his fundamental rights to be respected, particularly if his alleged offence was limited to participating in a peaceful demonstration.
Questions have also been raised over the circumstances of the arrest and the allegation that the protester was beaten after being taken into custody.
Authorities Yet to Publicly Address Allegations
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Ankpa Local Government Council or the relevant security authorities addressing the allegations of arrest and assault.
The Bureau Journal could also not independently establish whether Tony had been formally charged with an offence or the specific reason given by authorities for his arrest.
The development comes amid broader concerns over the right of citizens to peacefully draw attention to issues affecting their communities and demand accountability from public authorities.
Any further statement from the Ankpa Local Government Council, security agencies or other parties involved will be reported as it becomes available.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
