DELSU Students Protest Turn Violent as Soldiers Allegedly Assault Activist

A peaceful protest against rising insecurity and kidnappings in Delta State turned violent on Monday after suspected members of the Nigerian Army reportedly disrupted the demonstration and assaulted a leading activist.

Prince Godstime Ukuanovwe, a Human Rights Advocate and former House of Representatives candidate for the Ethiope Federal Constituency, said he was attacked during the protest in Abraka. According to his account, soldiers stormed the protest site and vandalised his vehicle before dragging him by the neck and threatening his life.

“This was no misunderstanding,” Ukuanovwe told Warri Sentinel. “The officers identified themselves. One claimed to be a Lieutenant Colonel and said he could do whatever he wanted to me.”

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The protest, which follows a series of demonstrations over the past week, was organised by community members alarmed by what they called a growing wave of kidnappings in Abraka and surrounding towns, including Mosogar, Jesse, Obiaruku, and Ogwashi-Uku.

Ukuanovwe claim the thick forested areas have become hideouts for kidnappers, who abduct residents for ransom. “Victims include students, lecturers, and local government officials,” Godstime said. “Our town is gradually becoming a ghost town. People are dropping out of school, businesses are closing, and many residents have fled.”

In response to the crisis, protesters demanded government intervention, including the deployment of a joint task force involving the police, military, and local vigilante groups. They also urged the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to provide surveillance equipment and moral support to victims of abduction.

One protester was reportedly shot as military allegedly arrived in force and attempted to disperse the crowd.

“He was hit in cheek, but the bullet did not penetrate deeply,” Godstime confirmed. “He has been taken to UBTH (University of Benin Teaching Hospital) for treatment.”

The activist further claimed that a senior officer involved in the operation later called him, expressing regret for damaging his vehicle but not for the broader actions taken during the protest. “He said if he knew it was my car, he wouldn’t have destroyed it,” Godstime recounted. “So it’s okay to destroy someone else’s property?”

The Nigerian Army has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.

Meanwhile, residents in Abraka continue to call for urgent government intervention, warning that the rising insecurity threatens to destabilise the region further.