Tension rose in Abraka, a university town in Delta State, after security agents allegedly opened fire on unarmed residents protesting the ongoing wave of kidnappings in their community.
Although no fatalities were recorded, one protester was reportedly injured on the face, causing panic as the crowd scattered.
The police moved in to take control of the protest site.
Delta State Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, acknowledged that the state’s Commissioner of Police had instructed the Area Commander to take charge of the situation.
According to Edafe, the issue was resolved, and the crowd dispersed.
However, he denied reports of anyone being shot, stating that no one had come forward to identify the supposed victim or their location.
He challenged witnesses to provide the injured person’s name and whereabouts.
Residents of Abraka have been protesting daily in response to the rise in kidnappings, accusing the local police of failing to act against the abductors.
Their frustration grew so intense that students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, joined the demonstration.
On May 29, they gave the Commissioner of Police a 72-hour deadline to restore order or face more protests.
The students, led by their Student Union Government President, Augustine Onovughegor, gathered with the residents at a popular junction in Abraka, carrying placards to draw government and police attention to their plight.
The Area Commander assured them that the police would take action and comb the nearby bush areas for kidnappers.
After this, the students temporarily left the protest, warning they would return if there was no visible progress in two days.
The situation escalated when, after the students left, a protester allegedly threw a stone at a security officer, prompting the agents to open fire.
While some protesters had already left, others remained, leading to a forceful attempt by security personnel to disperse the rest.
Activists have condemned the shooting. Victor Ojei criticised the authorities for ignoring the residents’ cries for help and instead using force against them.
Harrison Gwamnishu also condemned the use of violence on unarmed protesters, affirming that their concerns were valid and urging the Delta State Government to respond seriously to the situation.
He warned that more people would join in solidarity if the government failed to act.
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