Protesters in Abraka, a university town in Delta State, took to the streets once again to demand urgent action against the rising wave of kidnappings in their community. Residents say kidnappers continue to operate freely while local police allegedly remain passive.
On Tuesday, the protest, which began peacefully, escalated after security personnel reportedly fired shots to disperse the crowd. Although no deaths were confirmed, one protester was injured, with witnesses describing blood streaming from his face. The sound of gunfire sent demonstrators running, and security forces took control of the protest area shortly afterward.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, instructed the Area Commander to intervene. According to Edafe, the situation was handled, and protesters had dispersed. He stated that no one had come forward to prove anyone was shot, saying, “If someone was truly injured, they should be able to give us a name and location.”
Despite this, eyewitnesses insisted that one person was hit by gunfire. Many residents are angry about the police’s delayed response to the ongoing abductions, which have turned everyday life in Abraka into a nightmare.
Students from Delta State University, also affected by the insecurity, joined the protests. They had earlier given the police a 72-hour deadline, demanding action by May 29. On the protest ground, the Area Commander addressed both residents and students, assuring them of a plan to comb the bushes for kidnappers. He urged the community to remain patient while the security forces carry out their task.
Student Union President, Augustine Onovughegor, expressed frustration over police inaction and warned that students would return to the protests if the security situation does not improve within two days. After the students left the venue, reports surfaced that a protester allegedly threw a stone at a security agent. In response, armed personnel reportedly opened fire to forcefully disperse the remaining crowd.
Activist Victor Ojei criticized the government’s approach, saying young people have been protesting daily over the continued killings and abductions. Instead of providing protection, he claimed, authorities sent soldiers to silence them. “Now, who gave the order to shoot?” he asked.
Another activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, also condemned the incident. He confirmed that protesters were unarmed and simply demanding safety. He urged the Delta State government to listen to the concerns of its people or risk facing a wider solidarity protest.
The situation in Abraka remains tense, as residents demand real action—not force—in the face of persistent insecurity.
