AUCHI-Economic and social activities suffered a setback last Tuesday as some Muslims armed with dangerous weapons protested the death of a pregnant woman in Auchi town, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West local government area of Edo State.
A private hospital and the police station in the town were torched by the rampaging muslims who also hauled pebbles at some passersby to express their anger.
It was gathered that the deceased pregnant woman identified as Hajia Fatima Bello Abduramat, wife of muslims/herdsmen leader in Auchi, was accidentally hit with a motorcycle on her way to farm about 10am, Monday, June 10, 2013.
Sources gave the name of the motorcycle rider as one John Ifeloa, a farmer and resident of Amah quarters near Auchi town.
The protesters were said to have stormed the hospital where late Fatima Bello was receiving medical attention, and Amah quarters in search of the motorcycle rider, when the news of her death, fitered into their neighbourhood.
It was alleged that the accident was stage managed as the woman was killed in retaliation for the mysterious death of the motorcycle rider’s father, Mr William Ifeloa, during a misunderstanding he had with some Muslims in the town.
Contacted, Alhaji Bello Abduramat who was visibly saddened declined to comment on the violent protest that greeted the demise of his wife.
“My wife, my unborn child and the property you said my people destroyed which is replaceable?.
“If the Nigeria Police cannot arrest John Ifeloa and bring him and his family to face justice for this dastardly act executed under the guise of motor bike accident, then, let us avenge this torment.
‘I want Auchi Community and the world to know today that John Ifeloa can only run, but he cannot escape us or the almighty Allah”. The bereaved Alhaji Bello stated.
Attempts to obtain comments from the suspect John Ifeloa or members of his family failed as they were said to had fled the community when our reporter visited, yesterday.
A building said to be that of Ifeloa’s was in rubbles in the quarters.
The Public Relations Officer for Edo Police Command DSP Moses Eguavoen said a case of accident was earlier reported to the police adding that what now followed were that of murder and arson.
He however said investigation had commenced as efforts were on to apprehend the accused, one John Ifeloa who resides at Amah neighborhood, near Auchi.
