Chaos erupted in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday when police officers from the Ughelli Area Command allegedly opened fire on protesting women from the Oteri-Ughelli community.
The protest was reportedly triggered by longstanding grievances of police extortion and harassment faced by the women from the Nigerian police force. Upon reaching the Ughelli area command, where they intended to voice their concerns, the women were met with resistance and hostility from the officers stationed there.
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Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of pandemonium as the peaceful protest turned violent, with police officers reportedly resorting to tear gas and gunfire to disperse the demonstrators.
Consequently, many women sustained injuries of varying degrees and were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The incident underscores the escalating tensions between the community and law enforcement authorities, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution of the underlying issues of police misconduct and abuse of power.
In a conversation with journalists, representatives of the protesting women, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, claimed that their children and wards were unlawfully arrested and detained by the police while they were running errands. They alleged that the police demanded sums ranging between N150,000 and N200,000 as bail before releasing them.
Expressing his dismay at the situation, Efe Erakpofoke Peter, the president general of the community, condemned the actions of the police. He spoke out while visiting the injured women at the emergency ward of the Ughelli general hospital, where they were receiving treatment. Peter asserted that the women from the Oteri community had been peacefully protesting at the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli kingdom and the area commander to address their grievances.
According to Peter, the area commander had initially promised to address the complaints and urged the protesters to disperse. However, instead of resolving the issue, the police resorted to shooting and teargassing the women, resulting in numerous injuries. The protest stemmed from the continuous extortion and bribery by the police from youths engaged in legal Okada transportation business.
Moreover, Peter highlighted the challenges faced by residents due to police harassment and extortion, particularly after 8 pm when transportation options become limited. He criticized the police for their frequent arrests, house vandalization, and extortion of youths in the community, describing their actions as inhumane and unjust.
In response to the allegations, Ughelli Area Commander, ACP Adebayo, assured that the complaints were being investigated, and any officer found guilty would be duly punished. He also mentioned the disbandment of a squad of hunters within the command.
