In a heart-wrenching account of the unthinkable, Mrs. Ebitari Peterside, the widow of 42-year-old engineer Mr. Alafuro Peterside, shares her harrowing experience with Dennis Naku. Alafuro was allegedly shot dead in front of his children by a police officer in the Stadium Road area of Port Harcourt. The pain, confusion, and quest for justice that Mrs. Peterside faces are laid bare in this emotional conversation.
Unfolding the Tragic Events
Mrs. Peterside describes her life before the tragedy. A mother of three, she had been married for 12 years to Alafuro Peterside, an engineer from Opobo, Rivers State. Their idyllic family outing took a chilling turn on August 3, when they visited her husband’s aunt’s eatery. As they relaxed in the lounge, chaos erupted – an armed robbery was underway. Despite the apparent danger, Alafuro went to talk to his aunt, leaving Mrs. Peterside and the children in their car.
A Shocking and Unfathomable Act
The heart-wrenching moment arrived when Alafuro returned to the car. Suddenly, a police officer, supposedly part of the security detail, aimed his gun at Alafuro and fired, striking him in the chest. Mrs. Peterside’s world crumbled as she witnessed her husband’s life slip away before her eyes. She recalls her husband’s attempt to drive away after being shot, only for more bullets to be fired by the police officer. The tragic incident left her in disbelief, shattered by the sudden loss of her husband.
Seeking Answers and Justice
In the midst of her grief, Mrs. Peterside struggles to comprehend the events leading to her husband’s death. The police initially claimed it was a case of stray bullets during the robbery, but the circumstances suggest otherwise. She questions how a “stray bullet” could have directly hit her husband while he was inside the car, unarmed, with his family. With unanswered questions and overwhelming pain, Mrs. Peterside is determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedy and bring the responsible parties to justice.
A Life Cut Short, Leaving a Void
Alafuro Peterside’s death came at a time when things were beginning to fall into place for the family. He had secured a job in the oil and gas sector, offering newfound stability and hope. Known for his kindness, hard work, and devotion to his family, Alafuro’s loss is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through his children, whom he loved and prayed for fervently. As Mrs. Peterside navigates life without her husband, her plea for justice echoes with the hope that her husband’s death will not be forgotten or ignored.
A Cry for Justice
In her plea for justice, Mrs. Peterside turns to the authorities and the public for support. She refuses to let her husband’s death be swept under the rug, emphasizing that his life had immense value. She urges the Rivers State Government and Nigeria as a whole to ensure that justice is served and the truth is revealed. Through her pain, Mrs. Peterside becomes a beacon of strength, fighting for answers and closure for her family.
The heartbreaking story of Alafuro Peterside’s tragic death underscores the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement. It serves as a reminder that every life deserves justice, and the pursuit of truth is essential for healing and moving forward.