A young citizen journalist in Rivers State, Winnie Miller, has raised concerns about her safety after claiming that suspicious objects were discovered outside her residence following an earlier incident in which she was allegedly assaulted.
Miller, who recently drew attention to the poor condition of a school building in Ahoada West Local Government Area by posting its photograph online, made the claim in a social media post on Thursday.
According to her, the items were found by her mother in front of their home, prompting renewed fears for her safety and that of her family.
In the post, Miller called on security authorities in the state to intervene and investigate the development, urging them to arrest the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle, and his brother, Monday Epelle.
She questioned whether authorities would wait until something harmful happens to her or her mother before taking action.
Miller’s latest appeal comes days after reports that she was allegedly attacked after sharing a photograph highlighting the deteriorating state of a school building in the local government area.
Her claims have triggered reactions from members of the public on social media, with several users advising her to seek formal protection through legal channels.
Citizens reacts
One commenter, Prince Lee, urged Miller to engage a lawyer and file a petition to relevant authorities including the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, requesting official protection for herself and her family.
“You are not petitioning anybody you are simply asking for state protection over threats to your life. It is then left for the police to do their job. Don’t just stop calling the police,” he noted that documenting the alleged threats through a formal petition could help security agencies take appropriate action.
Another social media user, Oshobukola Olufemi, advised Miller to remain cautious and seek guidance from trusted advisers while focusing on her safety.
“Avoid any clash with anybody and focus on what God is doing at the moment. If possible get good advisers and counsellors,” Olufemi added.
Similarly, Michael Apkan said authorities should ensure her protection, warning that waiting for any potential harm before acting could worsen the situation.
“The chairman and his brother should be held responsible if anything happens to this girl but the authorities and the public should not wait until something bad happens to her before the act,” Apkan noted.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Ahoada West Local Government chairman or security agencies regarding Miller’s allegations.
