Protest rocks Delta over killing of pregnant woman by stray bullet 

Hundreds of angry youths took to the streets of Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday after a pregnant woman was killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by operatives of Operation Delta Sweep.

The incident occurred while the security outfit was reportedly chasing a white Mercedes-Benz car suspected to be occupied by internet fraudsters, commonly known as “yahoo boys.” Witnesses said shots were fired at the vehicle, and a bullet struck the woman, who was later confirmed dead on arrival at Eku General Hospital.

The protest quickly escalated as demonstrators blocked major roads, burned tyres, and sang war songs. They called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to remove David Tonwe, the Director-General on Security Matters, accusing him of incompetence and neglect.

“That office, if handled by a better and experienced person with good knowledge of security issues, a lot could be achieved,” said a youth leader identified as Kevwe. “The DG has overstayed his usefulness. He does not even respond to emergencies… Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should immediately sack the DG and replace him with a better person with better knowledge of security matters.”

The protesters alleged that the security outfit, established in the wake of the #EndSARS protests to tackle violent crime, had deviated from its original purpose. They claimed operatives now focus on extorting youths and escorting politicians rather than arresting kidnappers or confronting violent criminals.

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Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who intervened to calm the demonstrators, condemned the killing and urged the government to investigate.

“This tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for accountability,” he said. “I’m calling on the Delta State Government to immediately set up a Human Rights Committee to investigate and address cases of human rights violations across the state… Security should mean protection, not intimidation. But peace without justice is fragile. The government must act.”

Attempts to reach David Tonwe and Delta Police Command spokesperson SP Bright Edafe for comment were unsuccessful as their phones were unavailable at the time of filing this report.

(SAHARAREPORTERS)