Chaos in Abraka: Army Allegedly Shoots Peaceful Residents Demanding Protesting Rising Kidnappings
Abraka, a university town in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, witnessed escalating tensions on Monday when security agents allegedly fired shots at unarmed residents protesting against a rising wave of kidnappings terrorizing the community.
The protest, which had peacefully continued for six days, took a violent turn after the arrival of heavily armed soldiers and police officers. Eyewitnesses reported that warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd, leading to panic and injuries.
A video obtained by the media captured fearful voices accusing the Nigerian Army of shooting peaceful protesters, sparking outrage across social media.
Though no fatalities have been confirmed, one protester reportedly suffered a severe facial injury and was seen bleeding.
Residents and students of Delta State University (DELSU) have been staging daily protests demanding urgent intervention from the Delta State government and security agencies to end the wave of abductions. They accused the local police of negligence and alleged complicity, claiming kidnappers now operate with impunity in the town.
“The people are tired of being hunted like animals,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve pleaded with the police, but kidnappers grow bolder each day. Now, we face bullets instead of protection.”
The protests intensified after DELSU’s Students Union Government (SUG) issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, demanding improved security by May 29. SUG President Augustine Onovughegor expressed students’ frustration, leading a walkout and warning of a return if no action was taken.
Eyewitnesses said the situation worsened after a protester allegedly threw a stone at a security agent, triggering a swift and forceful response as security personnel opened fire to disperse the crowd. Protesters scattered in fear, seeking refuge in nearby buildings.
When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed that the Area Commander was directed to restore order and that the protesters had dispersed. He added that no formal report of a shooting victim had been submitted.
Community sources, however, revealed that the Area Commander had earlier addressed protesters, assuring them of imminent police operations to comb the nearby bushlands in search of kidnappers.
