Nigerian Soldiers, Police allegedly open fire on Delta residents

Tensions flared in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria, on Monday as security agents allegedly opened fire on unarmed residents protesting the ceaseless wave of kidnappings terrorising the university town.

The protest, which had entered its sixth consecutive day, was initially peaceful until chaos erupted following the arrival of heavily armed security personnel, including soldiers and police officers.

Eyewitnesses said the agents fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, causing panic and injuries.

A video captured frightened voices in the background saying, “Nigerian Army has shot peaceful protesters in Abraka. Nigeria Army has done it again.”

Though no deaths were reported yet, one protester reportedly sustained a facial injury and was seen bleeding profusely.

Residents and students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, have been staging daily protests to demand urgent action from the Delta State government and security agencies over the escalating cases of abductions.

The protesters accuse local police of neglect and complicity, claiming that kidnappers now operate with impunity in the town.

“The people are tired of being hunted like animals,” said a resident, who asked to remain anonymous.

“We’ve begged the police to act, but the kidnappers are growing bolder by the day. Now they’re responding with bullets instead of protection.”

According to reports, students of DELSU had earlier joined the protest on Monday after their Students Union Government (SUG) issued a 72-hour ultimatum on May 29 to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to restore security in the area.

The SUG President, Augustine Onovughegor, voiced the students’ anger and led a temporary walkout, warning they would return if no concrete action was taken within two days.

Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated after a protester allegedly stoned a security agent.

The response was swift and severe, as security personnel allegedly opened fire to forcibly disperse the crowd.

Protesters scattered in fear, with many taking refuge in nearby buildings.

When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the Area Commander to take control of the situation in Abraka.

“The Area Commander has handled the matter, and the protesters have dispersed,” Edafe said. “It was later that we heard that somebody was shot, and until now, nobody has brought the DPO to the alleged victim to confirm this.

“If they said somebody was shot, they should be able to give us a name and location.”

Meanwhile, community sources confirmed that the Area Commander had addressed the protesters earlier in the day, assuring them of planned police operations to comb the surrounding bushlands in search of the kidnappers.

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