In response to the directive for the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1, residents of Warri, Uvwie, Udu, and surrounding areas in Delta State complied by closing businesses and offices.
However, they were deterred from taking to the streets due to the overwhelming presence of security forces.
Our correspondent reported from key locations known for gatherings, noting that by 6 AM, various security operatives had already taken strategic positions to prevent protests. Key areas such as DSC Roundabout, Effurun Roundabout near Shoprite, Refinery Junction, Jakpa Junction, Airport Junction, Enerhen Garage, NPA in Warri, and parts of Uvwie and Udu Council areas, including Sediko, Orhunworun Road, Mofor, Ovwian-Aladja, and the Ughelli axis, were heavily patrolled by combined military and police personnel.
At DSC Roundabout, officers from Eburumede Division, led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Indifreke Iwok, were present along with military personnel from 3 Battalion, Effurun, and NNS Delta Naval base, as well as the Civil Defense Corps. At Effurun Roundabout, DPO Ekpan Division CSP Aliyu Shaba and the Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion (R), Effurun, were positioned with armored vehicles and drones for surveillance.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed gratitude to the residents for their understanding and for refraining from protesting. He warned of the potential hijack of the protests by hoodlums, citing the chaos during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. He assured residents that the security forces are dedicated to protecting lives and property and urged them to continue with their daily activities, emphasizing the police’s preparedness with adequate manpower and logistics.
At Effurun Roundabout, Major Ohegbe Augustine, Commanding Officer (R), was observed monitoring activities via drone surveillance, ensuring his men were on high alert for any emergencies.
Uvwie Council Chairman, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, personally dispersed a group of protesters at Jakpa Junction, acknowledging their grievances but highlighting the current insecurity in the country as a reason to avoid protests.
