Reports of a protester being shot by the police have sparked tension in Oteri-Ughelli, located in the Ughelli north local government area of Delta State.
The incident occurred during a demonstration against alleged extortion and constant harassment of community members by the police.
According to sources, a woman sustained a gunshot wound to her leg, while several others were injured during the protest at the area command office.
At the emergency ward of the General Hospital in Ughelli, the President General of the community, Hon. Efe Peter, expressed outrage over the police’s actions, condemning the use of force against the peaceful protesters.
He highlighted that the community had been increasingly burdened by police extortion targeting motorists and cyclists within the area.
“Our community is being plagued by police extortion, making it unsafe for our people to move freely within their own environment,” he stated.
Describing the events leading up to the protest, he mentioned that after attempts to address their concerns with the area commander, the situation escalated as police officers began firing shots and tear gas at the demonstrators.
“The police have been conducting unwarranted arrests, raiding the homes of our youth, seizing their possessions, extorting money from them, all without just cause,” Peter added.
Representatives of the protesting women, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, shared how their children and wards had been unlawfully detained by the police, with exorbitant amounts demanded for their release.
On the other hand, Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Delta Command, denied reports of anyone being shot during the protest, asserting that tear gas was appropriately used to disperse the crowd.