The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, SYF, in collaboration with 28 Civil Society Groups, has announced plans for a massive protest on Tuesday to demand justice over the killing of one of its members, Mr. Itekena Christian George, allegedly by an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The decision was reached at a crucial meeting held on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The groups resolved to stage the protest at the State Police Command headquarters and the NSCDC State Command headquarters to express their grievances.
Speaking on the incident, the National President of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, described the killing as gruesome and unacceptable.
“The SYF, while still in a mourning mood, has followed the developments after the gruesome killing of one of our members, Mr. Itekena Christian George, by a Civil Defence official,” Amb. Ibe said.
He explained that the groups were initially calm after reports that the suspect had been arrested.
“Initially, we were relaxed after the official was reported arrested. Thereafter, we gathered that the Police had released the suspect to the NSCDC authorities in the state for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
According to Amb. Ibe, the situation worsened when the NSCDC authorities allegedly released the suspect.
“It is rather sad to learn that the NSCDC authorities eventually released the suspect whilst we were waiting for him to have his day in court,” he stated.
He said that it is even more disturbing that the suspect was allegedly heard boasting after his release.
“It is even worse to hear the suspect boast after his release that he has killed the promising young Itekena Christian George and that nothing will happen,” Amb. Ibe alleged.
The SYF President said that the protest is aimed at pushing authorities to act decisively.
“While we demand justice for our member, we have resolved today, 26th July, 2026, in collaboration with 28 Civil Society Groups to stage the mother of all protests on Tuesday to drive home our grievances in pursuit of justice,” he declared.
“We therefore demand the arrest of the official and have him prosecuted for the gruesome killing of the young man. Justice must not only be done but seen to be done in this matter. Enough of extrajudicial killing without prosecution!”
The coalition said the protest will be peaceful but firm, and called on relevant authorities to ensure the suspect is re-arrested and made to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
As of press time, both the Rivers State Police Command and the NSCDC are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.