Residents of Enerhen community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday staged a peaceful protest over alleged victimisation by military men.
They took to the streets, lamenting an alleged attempt on the life of the Chairman of their community, Comrade Lucky Emuakpor-Izeku, who according to them, narrowly escaped death after an encounter with a Navy personnel and some soldiers.
The protesters, comprising women, youths and leaders of the community, marched on in protest to the office of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, where they narrated how the unnamed security personnel attempted to kill Emuakpor-Izeku.
The alleged victim, Emuakpor-Izeku, while narrating his experience, accused the military personnel of harassment and intimidation.
He added that he was attacked when he approached the management of Arco-Marine Limited for the benefit of indigenes working in the company.
Speaking on behalf of the women, one of the protesters, Mrs. Mary Owolo alleged that Naval and Army personnel on guard duty at Arco-Marine Limited and Python Engineering and Construction Company allegedly shot at the chairman of the community for daring to challenge the company.
Owolo, however, called on the state government to investigate the matter, stressing that the people of the community are peaceful and law-abiding.
In his reaction to the allegation, the Commander, Nigerian Army 3 Battalion Effurun, Major Azaku, told The Nation that “No Army Officer was on guard duty at Ako-Marine Limited.
He denied the involvement of the Nigerian Army in the alleged invasion of the community.
“I can go to any length to fish out those who are involved in the act if they can point the soldiers to me,” Azaku stated.
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