A tragic incident occurred in Abraka, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday evening, when a pregnant woman was reportedly shot dead during a military chase of suspected internet fraudsters, popularly called yahoo boys.
The incident threw the university town into chaos, as residents, indigenes, and students took to the streets in protest, accusing soldiers of recklessness and brutality.
According to eyewitness accounts, troops attached to Operation Delta Sweep had attempted to halt a vehicle suspected to be conveying fraudsters at a checkpoint. The occupants allegedly ignored the order to stop and sped off. Soldiers then gave chase, releasing several gunshots.
One of the bullets reportedly struck a pregnant woman nearby, killing her instantly before she could receive medical attention.
The Chairman of Ethiope-East Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, condemned the incident in strong terms, describing the death as “painful, needless, and avoidable.”
In a statement issued on his social media handles, Ogedegbe said the council would not relent until justice was served.
Read Also:
- Police arrest 3 kidnapping suspects, rescue 1 victim in Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa
- Police announce temporary restriction of movement for Rivers LG election
- Police commissioners, security heads hold G-7 meeting over cross-border crimes in Abuja
“This development is highly disturbing. Security personnel are meant to safeguard lives, not put innocent people at risk. We will ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly, and those responsible are held to account,” he said.
Ogedegbe further appealed to angry residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that discussions were ongoing with relevant security agencies to prevent a recurrence.
He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, saying: “We deeply sympathise with the relatives of the deceased. May they find the strength to bear this painful loss.”
The killing has once again raised concerns about the excessive use of force by security operatives in Delta State and their impact on innocent civilians.
