Protest day two: Gun scare as Police clash with protesters in Delta

Operatives of the Delta Police Command stationed at the Otovwodo axis of the East-West road, Ughelli, on Friday, clashed with protesters amid gun scare.

It was gathered that the hitherto second-day peaceful protest embarked upon by protesters in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, went awry after a policeman shot at a protester.

The shooting, it was learned, triggered other protesters who resorted to burning tyres and pelting policemen and some officials of the local government with sachet water.

Meanwhile, a Human Rights activist, who simply identified himself as Comrade Silver, corroborated the encounter.

“This morning, we were here and it was very peaceful as we were pleading with the protesters to calm down.

“We made them understand that today being Otovwodo Market day, some hoodlums might use the opportunity of the protest to loot items from the marketers.

“We told them to go towards Agbarha junction to start their protest and they obeyed and as I was sitting down at the market, I saw a police van chasing a car, they blocked the car and threw a tear gas inside the vehicle.

“As they were about to take the boy away, I pleaded with the police and the boy was released to me and as the boys were about to leave, another police vehicle came and insisted that the boy must be arrested.

“It was there the market women began to pelt them with water and stones and the police started shooting tear gas and live bullets in their direction and in the process, they took the boy to the police station.

“When the DPO came, I approached him and we both went to the station and the boy was released and peace returned.

“I learned they shot a person, though I did not see him, but I was told that the Army rushed him to the hospital.

“I don’t know the name of the hospital they took him to, but all I know was that there were gunshots,” he volunteered.

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Meanwhile, some traders, under the auspices of Nupe Traders Association in Igbudu Market, Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state, on Friday warned protesters to steer clear of the market to avert looting and destruction of property.

The Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr. Collins Unurayemeherhe, gave the warning as the national protest entered its second day.

“Do your protest. Don’t come to the market to steal, or attack and don’t be violent. You have the right to protest. Do it peacefully, air your views and the government will listen to you,” he admonished.

Mr. Unurayemeherhe warned that the traders would not fold their hands and allow any form of violent protest that could result in stealing, attacks and robbery in the market.

While warning that anyone caught in any incriminating act would be decisively dealt with in line with the law, the image-maker called on the security agencies to protect the protesters and the market during protests.

Mr. Unurayemeherhe reaffirmed that the Nupe Traders Association in Igbudu Market will not partake in the ongoing protest because they’re “peaceful, loving and law-abiding” people.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE