Tension erupted in the Oteri-Ughelli community of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, as police officers attached to the Ughelli Area Command opened fire on protesting women, resulting in several injuries and hospitalizations.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, escalated when women from the Oteri-Ughelli community staged a peaceful protest against alleged police extortion and harassment. Upon reaching the area command, the demonstrators were met with hostility as police officers reportedly attacked them with tear gas and gunfire.
Representatives of the protesting women, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, recounted the ordeal to newsmen, alleging that their children and wards had been unlawfully arrested and detained by the police. They claimed that exorbitant sums, ranging from N150,000 to N200,000, were extorted from the detainees before they were released on bail.
Efe Erakpofoke Peter, the president-general of the community, condemned the police’s actions, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the protest aimed at addressing grievances related to police harassment and extortion.
Peter said, “The area commander called me to appeal to my people to go home that he would look into their complaints but before that what we heard next was that police started shooting and teargassing the protesting women leaving many with injuries. The women embarked on the protest following the incessant police extortion and bribes from their children doing legal business of Okada transportation.
“Again, once you come out of the community to Ughelli main town once is 8pm you cannot get motorcycles or tricycles to carry you because of the police extortion, our mothers and women will trek home from the Ughelli main market every day because of the police harassment and extortion on the motorists.
“Recently the police embarked on incessant arrest and vandalisation of houses belonging to the youths of the community and carted away their personal belongings, detailed them, and collected a huge amount of money from them without offense.
“The actions of Nigeria police in Ughelli contravene the police practice and are inhumane, our community is a peaceful community and law-abiding citizens, stop making life difficult for us, you are making life difficult for these poor and innocent citizens,” the community leader alleged.
In response to the outcry, Ughelli Area Commander, ACP Adebayo, assured that the complaints were being investigated, pledging to take disciplinary action against any officer found culpable. Additionally, he announced the disbandment of a squad of hunters within the command.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with residents demanding accountability and justice for the victims of police brutality and misconduct. As investigations proceed, concerns persist over the need for reforms to address systemic issues plaguing law enforcement and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and safety.