Tension gripped the Abraka community in Ethiope East Local Council of Delta State over the weekend following the tragic death of a pregnant woman who was allegedly struck by a stray bullet fired by operatives of Operation Delta Sweep during a high-speed chase.

The woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was said to be a passenger in a white Mercedes-Benz car suspected to have been driven by internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “yahoo boys.”

The incident occurred when the patrol team attempted to stop the vehicle at a checkpoint, but the driver allegedly refused to comply, prompting one of the operatives to open fire.

The Guardian learnt that the bullet hit the woman, who was seated in the front passenger seat. She was immediately rushed to Eku General Hospital in the neighbouring Eku community but was declared dead on arrival.

In the wake of the killing, enraged youths in Abraka staged a violent protest. They blocked major roads, set tyres ablaze, and chanted war songs, calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to immediately remove the Director-General of Delta State Security, David Tonwe, whom they described as “a novice” in security matters.

“The purpose for which Operation Delta Sweep was created has been defeated. Tonwe has overstayed his usefulness. Instead of curbing violent crimes, the operatives are now focused on harassing and extorting youths,” they said.

Protesters claimed that the security outfit, formed in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests to restore public confidence and tackle violent crimes, has failed in its mission. They accused operatives of prioritising escort duties for VIPs and targeting suspected internet fraudsters rather than pursuing armed robbers or kidnappers.

They added: “David Tonwe has been in office since the administration of former governor Ifeanyi Okowa. What are his achievements? The DG just sits in Asaba collecting security votes while nothing meaningful is happening.”

Meanwhile, activist Harrison Gwamnishu intervened to prevent the protest from spiralling into further violence, appealing for calm. He urged the state government to establish a Human Rights Committee to investigate repeated allegations of abuse and extrajudicial actions by security personnel.

“This tragic incident has again highlighted the urgent need for accountability. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to negligence. Security should mean protection, not intimidation,” Gwamnishu said.

He acknowledged the efforts of other community leaders and police officials in maintaining peace but warned that “peace without justice is fragile.”

Responding to the incident, Director-General of Delta State Security, David Tonwe, denied claims that the killing was intentional.

He confirmed that the vehicle involved had no licence plates and had evaded two separate checkpoints. According to him, the driver’s reckless actions nearly resulted in a naval officer being run over. In response, a member of the patrol team discharged his weapon, which unintentionally struck the passenger.

Tonwe said the officers at the scene immediately took the woman to a private clinic, where she allegedly did not receive adequate care, before being transferred to Eku General Hospital.

“It is important to clearly state that Operation Delta Sweep did not kill any pregnant woman deliberately,” Tonwe said. “The death is deeply regrettable, and we are reviewing the incident to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.”

Despite these assurances, tensions remain high in Abraka, with residents demanding justice, accountability, and a complete overhaul of the state’s security architecture.

At press time, Delta State Police Command spokesperson Bright Edafe could not be reached for comments as his phone line was unavailable.

Photo and caption: Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen.O.O Oluyede