Tension In Delta As Security Forces Open Fire On Unarmed Abraka Protesters
Published: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 8:24 AM
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Panic in Abraka: Police Disperse Anti-Kidnapping Protest With Gunfire
Fear gripped the streets of Abraka, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, on Monday after security operatives reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters demanding action over the rising wave of kidnappings in the area.
Though no deaths were reported, one protester suffered a facial injury, causing chaos and forcing the crowd—mainly residents and students of Delta State University (DELSU)—to flee.
Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the protest, initially peaceful, was disrupted when security agents arrived in force, firing live rounds and assuming control of the scene.
Police Respond, Deny Knowledge of Victim
When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, acknowledged the intervention but insisted no confirmed victim had been found.
“It was later that we heard someone was shot. Until now, nobody has taken the DPO to the alleged victim,” Edafe said.
Pressed further, Edafe challenged protesters to provide concrete details:
“If someone was shot, give us a name and location.”
Protests Sparked by Spike in Kidnappings
The incident is part of a larger wave of daily protests by Abraka residents and DELSU students, who have decried what they see as police inaction amid an upsurge in kidnappings around the university community.
Augustine Onovughegor, President of the DELSU Students Union Government (SUG), had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to security agencies to act or face intensified student-led demonstrations.
Sources said the Area Commander, on the instruction of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, addressed the protesters and assured them of a forest-combing operation to locate the kidnappers.
“The CP has directed that sanity must be restored in Abraka,” a source quoted the commander as saying.
Following this, Onovughegor reportedly led the students away, but warned that they would return if no tangible results were seen within 48 hours.
Gunfire Erupts After Students Leave
Tensions boiled over shortly after students left, when a protester allegedly threw a stone at a security officer. In response, officers opened fire to scatter the remaining demonstrators.
“They wanted to forcibly end the protest,” one eyewitness claimed.
“Some refused to leave, and then the shooting started.”
Rights Activists Demand Accountability
The crackdown drew sharp criticism from activists and civil society groups.
Victor Ojei, a human rights activist, condemned the use of force:
“For days, Abraka youths have protested killings and kidnappings. Instead of helping, the government deployed force. Who gave the order to open fire on unarmed citizens?”
Harrison Gwamnishu, another prominent activist, echoed the outrage:
“This is unacceptable. These are legitimate grievances. The kidnappings are real. The Delta State Government must act now—before this spirals out of control.”
As of this report, no arrests have been made, and tension remains high in Abraka.
