National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chucks Peter, DELTA
On the second day of the nationwide #EndHardship/Hunger/BadGovernanceProtest in Ughelli, Delta State, a peaceful demonstration turned violent at the Otovwodo junction, a key protest site.
The situation escalated when market women and protesters resisted efforts by the Ughelli North council chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and police officers to move them to another location.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered early at the Otovwodo junction along the East-West Road, causing significant traffic disruptions for travellers headed towards Port Harcourt and the eastern region.
The peaceful atmosphere changed when police officers from ‘A’ Division Ughelli and Ughelli Police Area Command allegedly exacerbated tensions by arresting and shooting at protesters, resulting in the burning of tires and escalating unrest.
Human Rights Activist, Efe Elvis, present at the scene, reported, “I urged protesters not to disrupt the Otovwodo market, which was bustling due to market day, fearing that criminals might take advantage of the situation to harass and loot from the market women.
“I suggested moving the protest from Agbarha-motor junction to Afiesere junction, but chaos erupted when police attempted an arrest in the market area.”
Elvis continued, “I witnessed police stopping a car, firing tear gas at its occupants, and attempting to detain them.
“The market women and protesters resisted, leading to the police escalating with tear gas and live bullets.
“One person was shot in the chest, and several others were injured. Although one person was briefly detained at ‘A’ Division Ughelli, they were later released.”
Colonel Bukar Dabo, leading the Army deployment to Otovwodo junction, denied witnessing any police shooting, stating, “If anyone was injured, the victim would have been swiftly transported to a hospital by the Nigerian Army.”
The situation in Ughelli remains tense, with authorities urged to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of all residents amidst ongoing protests.
