What started as a peaceful protest in Abraka, Delta State, has reportedly taken a violent turn after Nigerian Army officers allegedly opened fire on demonstrators. The protesters—mostly youths—had taken to the streets to demand government action on rising cases of insecurity and kidnapping in the area.
The protest, which had remained peaceful for the past four days, was aimed at drawing the attention of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ongoing wave of abductions and violence affecting the university town.
Army Presence Escalates Tensions
The sudden deployment of army personnel to the scene has only made things worse. Eyewitnesses report that gunshots were fired, and many fear the use of force against unarmed, peaceful protesters.
Residents say the situation has now become tense and unpredictable, with growing concern over how the authorities are responding to what has been a non-violent expression of frustration by the community.
A Town in Crisis
On Wednesday, hundreds of concerned youths gathered at Police Station Junction in Abraka, speaking out about the insecurity that has gripped the town for over a decade. They shared how the threat of kidnapping has affected nearly every aspect of life in the university town.
“Parents are pulling their kids out of school, landlords are abandoning their homes, and farmers can’t go to their fields anymore,” one protester said.
The protesters also revealed that many families have fled Abraka, leaving behind homes, businesses, and farmlands. As a result, student enrollment has dropped, farming has slowed, and the local economy is feeling the impact.
What’s Next?
The community is now calling on the state and federal governments to step in—not only to address the security crisis but also to prevent further violence against peaceful demonstrators. There’s growing concern that the use of military force could inflame an already fragile situation.
