Tension flared in Abraka, Delta State, on Monday as soldiers and police officers reportedly fired shots at protesters demanding action against a rising kidnapping crisis. The protest, which had been going on for six days in this university town within Ethiope East Local Government Area, turned violent after security forces arrived in large numbers.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration began peacefully with residents and students from Delta State University (DELSU) calling for urgent measures to tackle kidnappings that have made daily life dangerous. The crowd’s frustration grew after repeated claims that local police had failed to act against the kidnappers.
The situation escalated when armed officers appeared, some firing warning shots that caused panic among the protesters. A video circulated online captured voices shouting, “Nigerian Army has shot peaceful protesters in Abraka. Nigeria Army has done it again,” reflecting the chaos and fear at the scene.
Though no deaths were confirmed, one protester was seriously injured in the face and bleeding heavily. Several others received minor injuries while fleeing the area.
Many protesters expressed their anger over the lack of security, saying, “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 an anonymous participant.
The protests intensified on Monday as students joined following a 72-hour ultimatum from the Students Union Government (SUG), led by President Augustine Onovughegor. They warned that more student-led actions would follow if the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, did not restore order in Abraka.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence worsened when someone threw a stone at security personnel, who then fired shots causing people to scatter and take cover.
Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said the Area Commander had taken control of the situation and the protesters had dispersed. He also stated that they were informed about the shooting but had not yet verified any victims.
