Emmanuel lkpeama.
The Delta State Police Command has denied of shooting protesters during the Ughelli protest yesterday, adding that protesters were dispersed with tear gas.
In a release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, it stated that the Command is aware of an allegedly sponsored protest in Ughelli North LGA and wishes to debunk the false narratives currently being circulated on some sections of the media that Policemen shot at peaceful protesters.
(Injured Police officer)
The Command states that nobody was shot during the protest, however, the use of tear gas was rightly used to disperse the protesters.
“For the avoidance of doubt and to put the record straight, the Command wishes to state that on Monday at about 1130 hours, some members of Oteri community, Ughelli approached the Area Commander Ughelli and requested that Policemen be withdrawn from the express road. The Area commander declined and informed them that the deployment was in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi on the need to ensure police presence in that area to prevent kidnapping and other crimes”.
Surprisingly, women from the community in their numbers forcefully stormed the Area command premises in a violent protest, beating up a policeman in the process, and they were dispersed with the use of tear gas. The report making rounds that Policemen shot at peaceful protesters is false and should be completely disregarded”.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi sues for calm and reiterates that the Command will not succumb to pressure from any quarters because the adequate protection of life and property is the constitutional mandate of the Police and remains the priority of the Command.
The CP called on law abiding citizens to go about their normal business as the police is here to ensure security of lives and properties.