Tension has gripped Abraka community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State after soldiers of Operation Delta Sweep allegedly shot dead a pregnant woman while pursuing suspected internet fraudsters, otherwise called “Yahoo boys.”
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening when the soldiers reportedly attempted to flag down the suspects who were driving at high speed. Eyewitnesses said the young men ignored the order and sped off, prompting the soldiers to give chase.
In the course of the pursuit, the soldiers were said to have fired sporadically. A stray bullet allegedly struck the pregnant woman, who was said to be minding her business in the neighbourhood. She reportedly died on the spot before any medical help could reach her.
The development triggered widespread anger in the community as indigenes, residents, and students staged a spontaneous protest. The demonstrators accused the military personnel of recklessness and disregard for human life, describing the incident as avoidable and deeply traumatic.
As of press time, security operatives had been deployed to forestall escalation, while calm was yet to return fully to the area.
Community leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, urging the authorities to bring the perpetrators to book and to forestall future occurrences.
