Abraka Protest Violence Sparks Outcry as DOPF Slams Delta Govt, Soldiers, Police for ‘Use of Force’

Tension encased Abraka, Ethiope East local government area of Delta State, on Tuesday as Nigerian soldiers and police allegedly opened fire on residents and students protesting an ongoing wave of kidnappings in the area.

The protest, which had been peaceful for six days, turned chaotic when soldiers and policemen were drafted to scene upon the arrival of security personnel who reportedly fired warning shots, causing panic and injuries.

A video circulating on social media showed frightened voices saying, “Nigerian Army has shot peaceful protesters in Abraka. Nigeria Army has done it again.” One protester reportedly sustained a facial injury.

Residents and students of Delta State University (DELSU) have been demanding urgent action from the Delta State government and security agencies, accusing local police of neglect and complicity in the rampant kidnappings.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “The people are tired of being hunted like animals… 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.”

The DELSU Students Union Government (SUG) had previously issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state’s Commissioner of Police to restore security. SUG President Augustine Onovughegor led a temporary walkout, threatening further action if no concrete steps were taken.

The situation reportedly escalated after a protester allegedly stoned a security agent, prompting security personnel to forcibly disperse the crowd.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Area Commander had handled the situation and that protesters had dispersed, but added, “It was later that we heard that somebody was shot, and until now, nobody has brought the DPO to the alleged victim to confirm this. If they said somebody was shot, they should be able to give us a name and location.”

Community sources confirmed the Area Commander had assured protesters of planned police operations against kidnappers.

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Meanwhile, the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has strongly condemned the use of brute force and excessive violence by members of the Nigerian Army to suppress peaceful protests in Abraka, Delta State.

In a statement signed by its chairman Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary,
Shedrack Onitsha, on Tuesday, the forum noted that the protests were organized by students, residents, and indigenes of the university town to draw attention to the alarming rise in insecurity and rampant cases of kidnapping, which have become a daily occurrence in the area.

“Instead of responding with empathy and solutions to the deteriorating security situation”, the group queried the Delta State Government choice to deploy military personnel to quell the protest.

The group stated; “videos circulating online clearly show men in military uniforms opening fire on unarmed civilians. Tragically, among the protesters were the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Onos Austin, the Vice President of NANS, Comrade Tennyo, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Comrade Okoh Ezekiel.

“Their presence highlights the broad concern over the worsening safety conditions.

“It is deeply troubling that the same military force which the state and federal governments have failed to deploy against criminal elements behind the kidnappings and violence was quickly mobilized to suppress peaceful protesters. This reflects a disturbing trend in which citizen rights are being undermined in a supposed democratic setting. Citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression—rights that must not be trampled upon.

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“The Delta Online Publishers Forum considers the use of force to suppress these protests as an anti-democratic action and a gross abuse of power. We strongly condemn the actions of the security agencies involved and decry the intimidation of peaceful demonstrators who merely sought government attention and protection amid the growing wave of insecurity in Abraka.

“We also reference the recent “State of the State” address by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in which he assured Deltans and investors of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Unfortunately, this promise rings hollow in light of the recent events in Abraka, where protesters were met with gunfire rather than dialogue, resulting in injuries and chaos.

“We call on both the Delta State and Federal Governments—particularly the military authorities—to exercise restraint and caution when dealing with civilians. Excessive force has cost Delta State dearly in the past, as seen in the tragic incident in Okuama. We must not allow history to repeat itself.

“The Delta Online Publishers Forum urges the government to pursue more sustainable and humane solutions to the worsening cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual killings that have plagued communities across Delta State in recent times. The path forward must be one of dialogue, justice, and genuine concern for the safety and rights of the people, not suppression and abuse”.