Protest In Igboland As Angry Women Protest Against Military Invasion After One Person Was Shot [See Details]

One person was reportedly shot, and eight others were arrested during a crisis in Okpare- Olomu, Delta State. The incident followed a protest by women of the Okpare community against the disruption of their annual general conference....Read Full Article >>➤

The crisis began on Thursday when Nigerian military personnel arrived in the community with three Hilux vehicles around 7: 30 a. m. , reportedly taking over the town hall to prevent the conference.

The military’ s presence left residents anxious, and reports indicated the intervention was aimed at enforcing a postponement of the meeting. In response, over 1, 000 women from Okpare protested on Friday, marching to the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.

They condemned the military’ s involvement and supported the leadership of the community’ s president- general, Okiemute Otaka. The women claimed those opposing the conference over land- related disputes were attempting to hide misconduct and urged the Olomu monarch to mediate for peace.

However, the protest turned violent when a youth, identified as John Ogedegbe, was reportedly shot by a vigilante member accompanying the military personnel. Ogedegbe, initially rushed to a hospital for treatment, was later arrested by police from Ekpan police station. Shortly after, eight other individuals, including a woman, were also detained.

Avweromre explained that the postponement followed a court order restricting community meetings pending legal proceedings. The decision, he said, was taken to prevent unrest and maintain stability in the area.

” The presence of the security agencies was not to intimidate residents but to enforce the chairman’ s directive and avoid potential defiance. It is important to counter misinformation and provide clarity on the situation, ” the statement read.

As the situation unfolds, residents remain on edge, with many calling for dialogue and intervention to resolve the crisis and restore peace in the community.