Police Allegedly Shoot Unarmed Man Over Suspected Drug Possession -

Tension is rising in Delta State following the alleged shooting of an unarmed civilian by police officers over suspected possession of illicit drugs.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening in Okudjere-Ovu Community, Okpe Local Government Area, involved officers from the Orerokpe Division alongside anti-cult operatives.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the victim was stopped by the officers who accused him of carrying hard drugs before allegedly shooting him in the leg.

This development comes at a time when residents are still reeling from recent incidents of police brutality in the state, further intensifying public concern and outrage.

A video circulating from the scene shows bystanders attempting to assist the injured victim after the officers reportedly fled, allegedly fearing retaliation from angry youths in the community.

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Reacting to the incident, a civil society group, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA), popularly known as “No Justice, No Peace,” strongly condemned the act.

The group described the shooting as unprofessional and a violation of the core duty of the police, which is to protect lives and property.

In a statement, the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Government to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and ensure that the officers involved are identified and held accountable.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer has not issued an official response regarding the incident.

The situation continues to spark conversations around police conduct, accountability, and the urgent need for reforms within Nigeria’s law enforcement system.