Hunger protest: Armed to the teeth security operatives scare protesters away from proposed venue

Armed to the teeth security operatives yesterday took over the DSC and Effurun roundabouts in Uvwie local government area to prevent the “no to hunger and hardship” protest in Nigeria billed to commence from 6am in Uvwie and Effurun local government areas of Delta State. A Journalist and Bureau Chief South South of Galaxy television , Mr Dele Fasan was allegedly manhandled by some of the security operatives suspected to be from Effurun barracks of the Nigerian army.

Mr Fasan who was literally dehumanized by the security operatives with his hands manacled in front thanked God for sparing his life after he regained freedom.

“ I still do not understand my offence as a Journalist on duty. The protest was not even ongoing. I was directing my camera man to capture the roads when suddenly the security men started all they did to me”.

At press time he said he was gradually recovering from the shock of the whole incident. Sympathisers advised him to go and run a medical check to be sure he had no internal bleeding.

Dele also lauded the conduct of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Aina Adesola for his intervention, adding that a senior military officer later apologized to him.

Some persons who identified themselves as members of civil society groups said they came to see that the protest did not hold because they were afraid lives could be lost.

Meantime , the heavy patrol of security operatives continued around the DSC , Effurun round about and some major roads in Warri and Uvwie after the arrest and release of the journalist. The actions of the security men did not disrupt traffic on the ever busy DSC to Effurun roundabout. It was likely the security patrol in the twin cities would last the whole day.

As early as 5am police and other security operatives mounted at strategic places around the DSC and Effurun roundabout apparently to nip the protest in the bud.

Some youths who had predicted resistance from security operatives had vowed that the protest would go on that yesterday . But at press time there were no signs of the protesters in the areas.

The security operatives also drove in convoys on the Warri ,Sapele, Airport , Refinery roads down to Ekpan and Estate areas on show of force.