A tragic incident unfolded in the Abraka community, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a yet-to-be-identified pregnant woman lost her life due to a stray bullet. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when soldiers attached to Operation Delta Sweep chased suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as “yahoo boys”.
According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers flagged down the suspected “yahoo boys” for a search, but they ignored the order and sped off. The soldiers then gave chase, firing several shots indiscriminately. Unfortunately, one of the bullets struck the pregnant woman, who was going about her activities, killing her instantly.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with indigenes, residents, and students of the community taking to the streets in protest against the soldiers. They accused the soldiers of recklessness and abuse of power. A viral video on social media showed the victim being rushed into a vehicle by a uniformed man in a desperate attempt to save her.
Attempts to confirm the incident with the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful, as he neither answered his calls nor responded to text messages. The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by security agencies and the need for accountability.
The community is still grappling with the aftermath of the incident, and many are calling for justice and greater caution in security operations. The incident highlights the importance of balancing security measures with respect for human life and safety.
