DOPF Condemns Military Clampdown on Peaceful Protesters in Abraka

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has strongly condemned what it describes as the brutal use of force by members of the Nigerian Army against peaceful protesters in Abraka, Delta State.

The protest, which was reportedly organized on Monday, June 2, 2024, by students, residents, and concerned indigenes of the university town, aimed to draw attention to the escalating insecurity and daily occurrences of kidnapping that have gripped the area.

Protesters were calling for urgent government intervention when armed military personnel were allegedly deployed to disperse the crowd.

In a statement signed by DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, the Forum decried the deployment of soldiers as a “gross abuse of power” and “anti-democratic action,” particularly in light of viral videos showing uniformed military men opening fire on unarmed civilians.

Among those present during the protest were Comrade Onos Austin, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Tennyo, Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Comrade Okoh Ezekiel, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs.

Their participation, the statement noted, highlights the gravity of the security situation and the urgency for a non-violent governmental response.

DOPF criticized the state government for its swift deployment of military personnel to suppress a peaceful demonstration, especially when such decisive action has been lacking in addressing the criminal elements responsible for the kidnappings and violence in the region.

Referencing the recent “State of the State” address by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Forum expressed dismay that the government’s promises to protect lives and property are not reflected in its actions. “These assurances ring hollow in the face of protesters being met with gunfire rather than dialogue,” the statement read.

The Forum further warned against a repeat of past tragedies, such as the infamous Okuama incident, and called for restraint, accountability, and a shift towards humane and sustainable solutions to Delta State’s growing security concerns.

DOPF concluded its statement with a call to both the Delta State and Federal Governments to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.