Tension gripped the university town of Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area on Monday as security agents allegedly opened fire on unarmed residents protesting the increasing cases of kidnapping in the area. The protest, which has entered its second week, was joined by students of Delta State University (DELSU) who are demanding urgent action from security agencies.
Although no deaths were recorded, one protester reportedly sustained a facial injury, with witnesses confirming blood streaming from his face after shots rang out during the peaceful demonstration.
According to residents, security agents stormed the protest site at a popular junction where community members have been gathering daily with placards to call attention to the ongoing abductions. Eyewitnesses claimed that the crowd scattered as the police and military personnel fired shots into the air and took over the area.
The Delta State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, had directed the Area Commander to intervene. “The area commander addressed the situation, and the protesters have dispersed,” Edafe stated.
However, when asked about the reported injury, Edafe said: “It was later we heard someone was shot. But until now, no one has taken the DPO to the victim. If someone was shot, we need a name and location.”
The protest was initially driven by residents frustrated with what they describe as police inaction in curbing a surge in kidnappings across the community. Victims have included students, traders, and commuters. The residents allege that kidnappers operate openly, especially in nearby bushes and on major roads, without fear of being challenged by law enforcement.
On May 29, DELSU students gave police a 72-hour ultimatum to address the insecurity, vowing to join the protests if nothing changed. True to their word, they joined the rally on Monday, led by Student Union Government (SUG) President, Augustine Onovughegor.
Onovughegor expressed the students’ anger, accusing the police of negligence and warning that they would return in larger numbers if action was not taken within 48 hours.
A source at the scene said the Area Commander promised to take control, saying police would launch a manhunt for the kidnappers and urged residents to allow time for operations.
However, shortly after students and some residents left, tensions escalated. According to eyewitnesses, a protester allegedly stoned a security officer, prompting the agents to fire shots in a bid to disperse the remaining crowd.
Rights activists have condemned the use of force. Victor Ojei said: “The government should respond to the kidnappings, not suppress the voices of those demanding safety. Who gave the order to shoot?”
Another activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, added: “The protest was legitimate. Instead of addressing the problem, the government used soldiers to intimidate the people. We may all join the protest if nothing is done.”
As at press time, residents remain anxious, while calls mount for the Delta State government to act swiftly to restore order and end the insecurity.