Military Personnel Accused of Murdering Pregnant Woman During Pursuit of Internet Fraudsters in Delta Region
In the peaceful community of Abraka, Delta State, a shocking incident has left residents in mourning. On Saturday evening, a pregnant woman was tragically killed by a stray bullet during an altercation between security forces and suspected internet fraudsters.
According to Hon. Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, the Ethiope-East Local Government Chairman, the incident occurred when troops of Operation Delta Sweep attempted to stop a group of suspected fraudsters driving past a checkpoint. In the ensuing confrontation, the soldiers are said to have chased the suspects, firing sporadically. One of these bullets unfortunately struck the pregnant woman, who died instantly before help could reach her.
Hon. Ogedegbe expressed his outrage over the incident, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family. He emphasised that the role of security agencies should be centered on protecting lives and property, and condemned the conduct of the soldiers in the incident.
The council chairman also promised that justice would be pursued for the deceased, vowing to ensure that similar tragedies are forestalled in the future. Ogedegbe urged residents of Abraka to remain calm and law-abiding, and expressed his concern over the avoidable death of the pregnant woman.
The incident sparked a protest by indigenes, residents, and students, who demanded justice for the deceased. Hon. Ogedegbe's statement was made on his official Facebook page, where he also encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Delta State Police Command has yet to make an official statement regarding the incident. However, the tragic death of the pregnant woman has once again highlighted the need for security forces to exercise caution and restraint when dealing with suspected criminals.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.