A Nollywood Director of Photography, known as Don One Opata is currently in critical condition after allegedly being shot by Delta Hawk Security operatives in the early hours of Friday the first of November, 2024.
The incident reportedly occurred around Mammy Market/Federal College Technical area in Asaba, Delta State, when Delta Hawk officers, acting on an intelligence report of a possible kidnapping, pursued Opata’s team vehicle.
The Nollywood crew, allegedly mistaking the officers’ flashlights for a potential robbery threat, attempted to flee. Delta Hawk operatives reportedly aimed to shoot out the vehicle’s tyres to stop it, but a bullet struck Opata in the abdomen.
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Opata was taken to Asaba Specialist Hospital, where he is undergoing emergency surgery in the ICU. As at the time of this report, Opata has been infused with three pints of blood, two donated by his team director, Dim, while the third additional pint was purchased for N52,000 to aid in the surgery.
Contacted the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO SP Edafe Bright denied the incident, however, Delta Hawk officials stated that the shots were intended to disable the vehicle, not harm the occupants.
The incident has raised questions about the operatives’ use of force, with calls for a thorough investigation into the events leading to the shooting.
