Tuesday’s protest embarked upon by youths against the operations of the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Delta State has turned violent and bloody.
The protestors alleged incessant harassment, molestation and arrest by officials of the anti-graft agency.
However, the protest soon turned violent with the burning of over 20 trucks with goods worth several millions of naira.
The protest, which caused serious commotion and panic took place at the Otovwodo junction of Ughelli community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. It allegedly involved suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys.
According to sources, more than three youths were allegedly shot by personnel of the state command of the Nigeria Police Force.
The victims are currently in a life-threatening condition at an undisclosed hospital in the area where they were taken for treatment.
Several trucks loaded with granites, petroleum products and other goods were burnt by the protesting youths, who also barricaded the busy Otovwodo junction, Ughelli, along the East-West Road.
The protesters chanted war songs as they burnt tyres on the affected road.
Young female protesters who were part of the protests alleged that their boyfriends were being hatrased by the EFCC and should be left alone.
The protest which was tagged ‘#EndEFCC’ started around 11:00 am, disrupting vehicular movements.
They displayed placards with different inscriptions such as “#EndEFCC”, “EFCC, leave us alone, we are not criminals”, and “Stop the harassment, molestation, intimidation and indiscriminate arrest”.