A man was shot by police officers in Okudjere-Ovu community, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday evening, sparking fresh outrage over police brutality in the state. The incident occurred when officers from the Orerokpe Division, working alongside anti-cult operatives, stopped the unarmed man on suspicion of carrying hard drugs. According to eyewitness accounts, the officers allegedly accused him of drug possession before firing a shot that struck him in the right leg. The victim was left bleeding on the ground as the officers reportedly fled the scene, fearing retaliation from angry youths.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation, especially in the wake of the recent killing of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, who was also shot dead by a police officer. This latest incident has reignited public anger over the pattern of excessive force and lack of accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. A video circulating online, sighted by Naija News, shows community members rushing to help the injured man after the officers had disappeared from the scene. The footage has fueled demands for justice and transparency from both citizens and civil society groups.
The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancements, popularly known as “No Justice, No Peace,” has strongly condemned the shooting. The group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, stated that the incident raises serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officials. He emphasized that the primary duty of the police is to protect lives and property, not to harass or brutalize innocent citizens. Agberen urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and identify the officers involved.
The rights group described the shooting as “unfortunate and unprofessional conduct,” stressing the need for accountability to prevent future cases of police brutality. They called on the Delta State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to take the matter seriously and ensure that justice is served. The group also warned that continued impunity could further erode public trust in security agencies and fuel unrest in the region.
This incident highlights the growing tension between security forces and communities in Delta State, where allegations of police misconduct are becoming increasingly common. As calls for reform grow louder, the government faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues within the police force. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future incidents of police violence are handled in Nigeria.
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