Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State witnessed escalating tensions on the second day of peaceful protests against bad governance.
According to Vanguard, the situation took a dramatic twist when police stationed at the Otovwodo axis of the East-West road allegedly sh0t and injured a yet-to-be-identified protester.
The incident occurred when protesters, carrying placards and marching towards the Otovwodo junction, were met with police resistance. According to eyewitnesses, the police began sh00ting tear gas to disperse the crowd, which led to chaos as protesters responded by pelting the officers with sachet water.
A protester, speaking to the publication, recounted the events, “We were not carrying anything dangerous except for the placards in our hands when the police double-crossed us and started shooting 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 f!re on the protesters, and one person was hit on his chest.”
Human Rights Activist, Comrade Silver, who was present at the scene, provided further details, “This morning, we were here, and it was very peaceful. We were pleading with the protesters to calm down and avoid giving hoodlums an opportunity to loot market items. I saw a police van chasing a Mercedes 4matic car; they blocked the car 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.”
Silver continued, “As the boys were leaving, another police vehicle came and insisted that the boy must be arrested. The market women began to pelt them with water and stones, leading the police to start shooting tear gas and live bullets. I learned they shot a person, and the Army rushed him to the hospital. I do not know the name of the hospital they took him to, but all I know is that there were gunshots.”
The injured protester was reportedly taken to a hospital by security agents, though details about his condition remain unclear. The incident has further fueled tensions in Ughelli North, with calls for justice and accountability growing louder.
