Tensions escalated in Abraka, Delta State, on Monday as Nigerian security forces, including soldiers and police officers, allegedly fired live ammunition at unarmed residents protesting the rising wave of kidnappings in the area.
The protest, which was initially peaceful, turned chaotic following the arrival of heavily armed security personnel.
Eyewitnesses reported that the agents fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, causing panic and injuries.
The demonstrators, comprising students from Delta State University (DELSU) and local residents, had been staging daily protests to demand urgent action from the Delta State government and security agencies over the escalating cases of abductions.
Placards bearing messages like “Say No to Kidnapping in Abraka” and “Delta State Government Come to Our Rescue” were seen during the demonstrations.
In response to the incident, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, denied reports of any fatalities, stating, “It is not true, nobody was shot.”
The situation in Abraka remains tense, with residents and students expressing fear and uncertainty over their safety. Calls for justice, safety, and accountability continue to mount as the community grapples with the dual threats of insecurity and alleged state-sanctioned violence.
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