Widespread outrage has erupted in Warri and Effurun, Delta State, following the alleged extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old Oghenemine Ogidi, an incident that has sparked protests and heightened tensions across the area.
The unrest intensified after a viral video emerged showing the victim being shot in broad daylight by a police officer identified as ASP Usman Nuhu, drawing condemnation from residents, civil society groups, and social media users.
In response, more than a hundred youths stormed the Ekpan Police Division on Wednesday afternoon, demanding accountability and justice over the killing.
The disturbing footage has drawn condemnation from residents across Warri, Effurun, and beyond, as well as civil society groups and activists demanding accountability.
Among those present at the protest were human rights advocates Efemena Umukoro and Harrison Gwamnishu, who joined demonstrators at the police station carrying placards and wearing “Human Rights Defender” T-shirts. The protesters called for the immediate prosecution of the officer, popularly known as “Ogbegbe,” and demanded transparency from the authorities.
“We want justice. This cannot be swept under the carpet,” one of the protesters said.
Blessed Ughere, president of the Urhobo Progress Union youth wing, was also seen engaging police officers in discussions, while a relative of the deceased appealed for calm, urging protesters to remain peaceful as he sought access to his brother’s body.
Tensions escalated as protesters accused the police of attempting to stall for time, claiming officers repeatedly said the Commissioner of Police was on his way. “He should be here by now, or else they are trying to hold us till it gets dark,” an aggrieved protester said.
The situation later turned volatile when a group of unidentified youths reportedly arrived at about 4 p.m. armed with cutlasses and sticks, chasing protesters away from the police station axis along Refinery Road after demonstrators had blocked the route and diverted traffic toward the NPA Expressway.
Eyewitnesses said the armed youths shouted threats as they dispersed the crowd, heightening fears of further unrest. This was followed by gunshots and the firing of teargas, reportedly from within the police station, to disperse those who refused to leave.
Police officers, both in uniform and plain clothes, were seen attempting to engage protest leaders as tensions persisted.
Reacting to the incident, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer Kunle Edun condemned the killing, describing it as brutal and inhumane. He alleged that the victim was first shot in the leg at Effurun Roundabout before being taken to a police facility, where he was later killed despite being restrained.
“That was a cold-blooded and brutal murder. The young man was pleading his innocence and even offered to identify those who sent him, yet he was shot multiple times at close range,” he said.
Edun questioned whether other officers present played any role, noting that the video suggested possible complicity. He also raised concerns about a potential cover-up and called for a thorough and independent investigation.
As public anger continues to rise, residents and activists have urged the police hierarchy and the Delta State Government to act swiftly to ensure justice, warning that any delay could further inflame tensions and threaten public order.
