Delta Online Publishers Forum(DOPF) Condemns Military Crackdown on Abraka Protests
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has strongly condemned the use of brute force and excessive violence by the Nigerian Army to suppress peaceful protests in Abraka, Delta State.
The protests, organized by students, residents, and indigenes, aimed to draw attention to the alarming rise in insecurity and kidnapping in the area.
In a press statement on Tuesday by the Forum’s Chairman; Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary; Shedrack Onitsha, the DOPF expressed outrage over the deployment of military personnel to quell the protest, instead of responding with empathy and solutions to the security situation.
Videos circulating online showed men in military uniforms opening fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in injuries and chaos.
The DOPF noted that the presence of prominent figures, including the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, the Vice President of NANS, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor, highlighted the broad concern over the worsening safety conditions.
The Forum considered the use of force to suppress the protests as an anti-democratic action and a gross abuse of power.
The DOPF referenced the recent “State of the State” address by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in which he assured Deltans and investors of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. However, the Forum noted that this promise rings hollow in light of the recent events in Abraka.
The DOPF urged the government to pursue more sustainable and humane solutions to the worsening cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual killings that have plagued communities across Delta State.
The renowned Journalists and Publishers called on both the Delta State and Federal Governments to exercise restraint and caution when dealing with civilians, warning that excessive force could lead to tragic consequences, as seen in the past incident in Okuama.
