Connect with us

Metro

Many injured as police open fire at women protesting against extortion in Delta

Published

on

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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Metro

Angry citizens set Governor Petrol Station ablaze

Published

on

By Mario Deepromoter

A petrol station owned by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Pinnacle Oil, has been set ablaze.

The incident occurred at the fuel station located along Agbani Road, directly opposite Roban Stores.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, but sources reveal that hoodlums, whose identities are yet to be known, carried out the arson attack.

Advertisement

As the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., Governor Mbah has been a known figure in the oil and gas industry.

His company has completed the development of Single Point Monitoring (SPM) and Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) facilities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of businesses and infrastructure in Enugu State. The motives behind the attack are still unclear, and an investigation is likely underway to determine the perpetrators and their intentions.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Metro

Police confirm alleged ritual, kidnap incident at Top View hotel Abuja

Published

on

The Police confirmed a young man identified as Alex on Thursday allegedly kidnapped a young lady and kept her in the popular Top View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja.

According to a trending video on social media, Alex was seen with the lady in a room with management of the hotel and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) where he was arrested.

While confirming the incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement on Thursday night accused NSCDC of not handing over the suspect to the police for further investigation.

Adeh said: “The FCT police command is aware of the video footage making the rounds about a lady who was criminally confined in Top view hotel, Wuse, Abuja on 17th September, 2024 by an alleged Internet fraudster allegedly for money ritual.

Advertisement

“Findings revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have taken the suspect into custody and are yet to hand over to the police for diligent investigation.

“The FCT police command for all intent and purposes awaits the NSCDC to hand over all parties for commencement of diligent and discreet investigation.

“Further development will be communicated in due course”.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Metro

SAD! 25 k!lled during Eid-El-Maulud festivities in Kaduna road accident

Published

on

By Mario Deepromoter

The death toll from the auto crash that occurred along Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday has risen to 25.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna State, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed the increase in fatalities to PUNCH Metro on Monday.

“Ten more victims died due to injuries sustained in the crash, bringing the total number of deceased to 25 out of the 63 people involved,” Nadabo said.

Advertisement

PUNCH Metro reports that the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying 63 children, mostly youngsters traveling to celebrate Eld El Maulud, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.

The Sector Commander, FRSC, in Kaduna State, Nadabo, had said, “The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over speeding, resulting in the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

However, Nadabo added that due to the nature of the injuries sustained during the crash, 10 more victims died bringing the toll number of fatalities to 25.

“Sadly, at about 18:45 hrs today(16/9/2024), the command received an update that 10 more victims had died due to injuries sustained. This is truly sad and tragic. The total amount of the deceased has risen to 25 people out of the 63 people involved.

Advertisement

“I want to express the Corps’ profound condolences to the families of all those who have lost their dear ones in this fatal accident. I also want to reiterate the FRSC stance and position on overloading of humans or goods and excess speeding. In this case, both contributed to the fatal calamities witnessed.

“These are avoidable, hence our resolve to continuously engage motorists on safety ethics and general Road behaviour. The FRSC Kaduna is poised to ensure the overall safety of motorists in Kaduna and beyond,” the Sector Commander added.

Nadabo emphasised the importance of road safety measures, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.

“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.”

Advertisement

An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, “I saw the bus swerve out of control and collide with the articulated vehicle.”

“It was a horrific sight, and my heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he added.

Nadabo said due to the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained, some of the victims were moved to the ABU Teaching Hospital at Shika, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital respectively for proper and comprehensive medical attention.

He also said the FRSC had launched an investigation into the incident.

Advertisement

“This accident is a wake-up call for all drivers to prioritise road safety,” Nadabo said.

“We will continue to educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.”

As the families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the nation is reminded of the need for vigilance on the roads.

“We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such incidents in the future,” Nadabo emphasised.

Advertisement

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Nadabo said.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News