In Ughelli on Monday, a woman was shot, and several others were hurt as police tried to stop a protest.
Beyond Boders learned that the women from Oteri-Ughelli were protesting against police harassment and demanded for money in their community.
Witnesses said the protest started peacefully, but when the women went to the Police Area Command office to complain, the police used tear gas and shot at them.
The protesters carried signs saying things like “Stop making life difficult for us” and “Police are making life difficult for our poor and innocent citizens.”
Two women leading the protest, Harvest Ugbhwiako and Mrs. Vivian Aphiare, said the police had arrested their children and demanded money to let them go.
Efe Peter, the community’s leader, criticized the police for using guns and tear gas on peaceful protesters. He said the police promised to listen to their complaints but then started shooting.
He also said the police often extort money from people in the community and sometimes arrest young people for no reason.
The Police Area Commander, ACP Adebayo, said they are investigating the complaints and will punish any officers who did wrong.
