By Unue Emeka,
As the nationwide protest entered its second day, a demonstration that began peacefully turned violent in Ughelli, the administrative headquarters of the Ughelli North local government area in Delta State.
Protesters and market women at Otovwodo Ughelli today resisted the attempts by the Ughelli North council boss, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the police officers on duty, relocate the protesters to another location.
Advocate.ng reports that hundreds of protesters had gathered early this morning at the popular Otovwodo junction in Ughelli along the East-West Road, causing a traffic jam for commuters travelling from to Port Harcourt and other parts of the eastern region.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, a Human Rights Activist, Efe Elvis blamed the police from 'A' Division Ughelli and Ughelli Police Area Command for arresting and shooting at protesters, leading to tension and burning of used of tires.
He stated, "I pleaded with the protesters not to disrupt the Otovwodo market because today is market day. Hoodlums will seize the opportunity to harass the market women and loot their goods.
"I urged them to start their protest from the Agbarha-motor junction to the Afiesere junction. Suddenly, while still in the market area, I saw police officers chasing a car.
They stopped the driver, released teargas on the occupants, and tried to take them to the police station, but the market women and protesters resisted the arrest. The police then started shooting teargas and live bullets, this is what led to the crisis.
"I was informed that one person was shot in the chest and many others were injured. One person was taken to the police station but was later released by the Divisional Police Officer of 'A' Division Ughelli."
When contacted, Col. Bukar Dabo, the leader of the Army deployed to Otovwodo junction, said he did not see anyone shot by the police, as claimed by some, who stated that the victim would be rushed to the hospital by the Nigerian Army.
