Policemen from Orerokpe Division in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State allegedly shot an unarmed man in Okudjere-Ovu Community on Thursday evening, sparking outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. The incident, which occurred during a joint operation with anti-cult operatives, saw officers stop the victim and claim he was in possession of hard drugs before opening fire on his right leg. Witnesses and local residents reported that the policemen fled the scene after the shooting, fearing retaliation from angry youths, leaving the injured man to be attended to by sympathizers.
The shooting has reignited public anger over police brutality in Nigeria, especially as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic murder of Oghenemine Ogidi. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly unarmed and posed no threat at the time of the encounter. A video circulating online captures the moment residents rushed to assist the injured man after the officers fled, highlighting the community’s distress and mistrust toward law enforcement.
The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA), also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” condemned the incident in a statement, emphasizing that such actions undermine public trust in the police. ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, stressed that the primary role of the police is to protect lives and property, not to harass or use excessive force against civilians. He urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, to launch a swift and transparent investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the “unfortunate and unprofessional conduct.”
Despite multiple attempts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comment, no response has been received as of the time of reporting. This silence has further fueled public suspicion and demands for accountability. The incident underscores a growing pattern of alleged police misconduct across Nigeria, particularly in communities where tensions between security agents and civilians are already high.
As calls for justice grow louder, human rights advocates are urging the federal and state governments to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that police operations are conducted within the rule of law. The shooting in Okudjere-Ovu is not just a local tragedy—it reflects a national crisis in policing that requires urgent reform. The hope is that this incident will prompt meaningful action to prevent future abuses and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security apparatus.
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