Tension has mounted in Abraka, Ethiope East local government area of Delta State over the purported killing of a yet-to-be identified pregnant woman by operatives of “Operation Delta Sweep (ODS)”.
The incident occurred on Saturday when the victim was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by a military officer in the security team at a car belonging to a suspected fraudster popularly known as “Yahoo Boy” in Nigerian parlance.
An eyewitness said, “The security operative shot at the vehicle after the driver failed to stop when he was flagged down by the security outfit.
“The lady who was rushed to the Government Hospital in Eku, Delta State was said to be confirmed dead by doctors in the hospital,” the source said.
Some angry residents were said to have rushed to the Divisional Police Station in Abraka for a showdown with the police but were advised against the action because the policemen in the station were not responsible for the killing.
Meanwhile, the director-general of Delta State Security, Hon. David Tonwe, confirmed the issue and called for calm in the university town.
He said the unfortunate incident was not intentional and emphasised that the vehicle in question had no registration number.
Tonwe said, “The vehicle was first spotted on the road without a number plate. When the patrol team at a checkpoint attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, in a reckless manner, refused to comply and sped off. The team immediately alerted the next patrol unit to intercept the vehicle.
“However, the driver again refused to stop at the second checkpoint and in the process, nearly knocked down a naval officer on duty, driving over the officer’s leg. In response, the officer discharged his firearm.
“During the effort to halt the unregistered vehicle, a stray bullet from the officer’s gun struck a young woman seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
“The officers at the scene promptly rushed the victim to a private hospital, but she reportedly did not receive adequate medical attention and was subsequently taken to Eku Hospital,” he said.
This was confirmed by the officer in charge of the Abraka Police Station.
“As of the time of this report, doctors have not confirmed whether the young woman is pregnant. It is important to clearly state that ‘Operation Delta Sweep’ did not kill any pregnant woman,” he said.
Tonwe urged the public to disregard false information suggesting that a pregnant woman was killed by “Operation Delta Sweep” personnel in Abraka.
He said the incident was being investigated and further updates would be communicated as the situation unfolds.
Meanwhile, Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has warned security operatives to exercise maximum restraint to avoid unnecessary harm to members of the public
This may not be unconnected with the killing of the lady in Abraka by security operatives.
Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, described the killing as “very unfortunate,” stressing that the tragedy could have been avoided had the operatives adhered strictly to standard operational procedures.
While promising that justice would be served, the governor charged security agencies in the state to exercise restraint and professionalism in the discharge of their duties to avoid needless loss of innocent lives.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting life and property of the residents and urged the people of Abraka to remain calm as investigation into the incident continues.
