Hundreds of Nigerian youths in Ughelli, Delta State, have taken to the streets in a powerful display of resistance against unchecked police brutality and extortion.
The protesters are calling for accountability from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, and all lovers of the country to rein in on corrupt police personnel who have transformed into armed robbers in uniform, with the backing of senior officers who share the loot with them.
The video of the protest, shared by @KomeNicee, highlights the rampant nature of police brutality in the state, with protesters demanding an end to the violence and impunity.
She wrote: “Heavy protest ongoing in Ughelli against police brutality which has become rampant!!”
The Delta State Police Command, however, has warned the youths to desist from the protest, insisting that no amount of their protest would deter the police from performing their constitutional duties.
The ongoing protest stems from an incident where policemen from Ughelli Area Command intercepted an unregistered Benz GLK without a plate number in Ekuigbo community.
The men confronted the four boys who could not establish ownership of the car. In an attempt to arrest them, some of the youths attacked the police, destroyed their vehicle, and broke the head of one of the officers.
In his (Command’s spokesman DSP Edafe Bright) word;
“Regarding the ongoing protest in Ughelli, the Command wishes to inform members of the public that yesterday 13th February 2024, policemen from Ughelli Area Command intercepted an unregistered Benz GLK without a plate number in Ekuigbo community. The men confronted the four boys who could not establish ownership of the car.
“In an attempt to arrest them, some of the youths attacked the police, destroyed their vehicle, and broke the head of one of the officers.”
Following the unprovoked attack, Edafe said nine of the suspects were arrested, adding “they will be charged to court. Youths are advised to stay off any protest because it won’t deter us from doing our job.”
