There are reports that misogyny is invading Rivers State in the recent times, turning the feminine gender into an endangered species
By Chinedu Ogu, Port Harcourt
It is now one day, many troubles in Rivers State for women as gender-based violence has worsened. The once beautiful state of happiness and love among men and female folks has turned into ugly state with men turning women into endangered species.
Tentacle learnt that misogynists are on mission with deadly attacks on women across the state. They have turned it into bloody Rivers. And their modus operandi is usually to broke bottles on women’s heads or stab them with a knife.
The ugly incident that happened to ladies at popular Black Box Night Club in Port Harcourt where ladies celebrate their birthdays is a topical example of a nightmare the women are passing through in the hands of deadly misogynists.
What was meant to be a happy evening and night of carefree fun turned into a horror scene of violence, brutality, intimidation and humiliation as the misogynists hijacked the birthday celebration.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to Tentacle, confirmed that the violent atmosphere was allegedly orchestrated by a Port Harcourt based popular realtor, Maduba Okechi Christian popularly known as Ceemore and his entourage, who hate women with passion.
It was also gathered that to guarantee a seamless and quiet celebration, the ladies booked a reserve VIP table at the club. While they were having fun, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ceemore Group and top socialite came in and saw that there was no other VIP table, he approached the girls and requested to sit near them, but was turned down.
A confrontation ensued when one of them started filming a video of herself dancing, at which point Maduba accused her of recording him, which she denied. At that point the Ceemore boss and his entourage allegedly pulled Tonia Okoye the celebrant downstairs in a degrading manner, stripped her naked and gave her the beating of her life as a birthday present. The ladies claimed that the Ceemore boss smashed a bottle on one of them on her head during the altercation and even attempted to stab her. Another one lost her front tooth after being punched by Maduba.
Again, a disturbing incident of gender-based violence is that of Orinemi Ayanate who was allegedly stabbed and shot in the head by her fiancé, Abi Tamunotomba over a minor issue.
Ayanate’s friend, Promise Wosu Junior popularly known as Wene Port Harcourt who spoke to the press described the incident as an extreme case of gender based violence. He further added that Ayanate’s fiancé has a history of abusing her.
Tentacle further learnt that Tamunotomba who hails from Buguma, a suburb of Port Harcourt works with Antan Producing under NNPC allegedly stabbed and shot Orinemi before fleeing the scene. He is currently at large.
Victim’s family member, who affirmed Promise’ revelation, said Tamunotomba had exhibited obsessive behaviour and believed himself to be above the law, adding that Orinemi had previously been afraid to report him due to fear of reprisals -an indication that the abuse had been going on.
Meanwhile, other people who spoke to Tentacle on the development expressed outrage over the incident, calling for the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
Reacting, Peter Dede said, “There are some clubs you go to, any time any man misbehaves around a lady they bounce him immediately. What happened is violent assault, plain and simple. The fact that a man couldn’t handle a polite boundary or rejection and responded with extreme violence shows deep-rooted misogyny. It doesn’t matter how rich or high status”. His money doesn’t excuse abuse.
Meanwhile, the Ceemore Boss, has been arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court on six–count charges of assault, battery and conspiracy to commit felony.
Speaking to newsmen, the spokesperson of Rivers State Police Command SP Grace Iringe-Koko emphasized that under the watch of Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, issues of gender-based violence and crime in the state would not be swept under the carpet.
Counsel to the victims, Cyrus Onu accused the suspect of showing no remorse since the incident, adding that what the victims were primarily demanding is a public apology from the suspect.
The lawyer accused Maduba of arrogance and acting with impurity since the incident saying, “Ceemore seems to be unapologetic. He and his team have conducted themselves arrogantly feeling that they can drag this case for long as they want because they have money, but they will be surprised.
Onu further expressed concern over what he described as a smear campaign against the victims character since the incident became public.
He said, “The ladies are hard working and that one of them is a laboratory scientist, while another is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), a celebrity cake maker and event planner and the third is a nurse. They went to relax like any citizen would, only to be attacked and battered beyond recognition. Now their images are being tarnished. What these girls really want is a public apology, own up to what you did especially in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
Similarly, while other victims of gender based violence are alive to tell their stories, such cannot be said of Mrs. Rhoda Oron, whose husband allegedly killed after an argument that led to a fight in Andoni Council of Rivers State.
Tentacle learnt that the man and the wife who reside at Oyorokoto Fish Settlement has married for almost 30 years and it was just of late that the man turned to woman beater.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Police Command says the attack on Miss Orinemi Ayanate allegedly by her longtime boyfriend; Abi Tamuno is being treated as attempted murder.
Police Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko told Tentacle that preliminary investigation shows that they have been in a relationship for seven years.
According to her, the incident happened after Miss Ayanate ended their seven-year relationship upon discovery that Tamuno was married with children. Continuing, SP Grace Iringe-Koko added that later Tamuno invited her for reconciliation, but diverted to a deserted location, which resulted in an argument.
Iringe-Koko further disclosed that during the altercation, he allegedly pulled a pistol, broke a bottle and stabbed her several times, but was rescued by a passerby and taken to the hospital. Tamuno has yet to report to the police.
