On the second day of peaceful protests in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the situation took a violent turn when police officers stationed at the Otovwodo axis of the East-West road allegedly shot and injured an unidentified protester.
The protest, which had been peaceful, erupted in chaos as the injured protester prompted others to burn tires and throw sachet water at local government officials.
A protester recounted, “We were protesting this morning with placards towards the Otovwodo junction and the police bracket us from coming towards the junction.”
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters were unarmed and carrying only placards when the police intercepted them and started firing tear gas.
“While shooting tear gas, the police were being pelted with sachet water by the protesters and as they were driving away, they opened fire on the protesters and one person was hit on his chest,” the protester said.
A human rights activist, Comrade Silver, was present during the incident and provided further details. “This morning we were here and it was very peaceful as we were pleading with the protesters to calm down. We made them understand that today being Otovwodo market day, some hoodlums might use the opportunity of their protest to loot items of the marketers,” he explained.
Despite attempts to keep the protest orderly, chaos ensued when police chased a Mercedes 4matic car, blocked it, and threw tear gas inside. “As they were about to take the boy away, I pleaded with the police, and the boy was released to me. As the boys were about to leave, another police vehicle came and insisted that the boy must be arrested,” Comrade Silver continued.
The market women, seeing the incident unfold, began to throw water and stones at the police, who responded by shooting tear gas and live bullets. Eventually, the detained boy was taken to the police station, but was released after Comrade Silver intervened with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
“I learned they shot a person, though I did not see him, but I was told that the Army rushed him to the hospital. I do not know the name of the hospital they took him to but all I know was that there were gunshots,” Comrade Silver added.
