A disturbing video making the rounds online has sparked nationwide outrage, with Nigerians expressing shock and anger over what appears to be an extrajudicial killing.
The footage allegedly captured armed officers from the Effurun Area Command of the Delta State Police Command carrying out a public execution of a yet-to-be-identified man.
The victim, whose hands were tied behind his back, was seen and heard saying, “I don’t know anything, officer. I beg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceive me, I no know anything concern. Carry me go Sapele, I go carry you go meet am, please,” before being shot on Monday afternoon.
The graphic nature of the viral clip has led to a wave of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning who the officers were looking for, as well as the state of accountability and justice in the country.
The incident, which happened in public, has reignited debates over police conduct, abuse of power, and the urgent need for reform within Nigeria’s security agencies, as the footage continues to circulate online.
Reacting to the incident, actor Stanley Ontop called out the Delta State Commissioner of Police over what he described as constant “extrajudicial killings” happening across the state.
“Dear @edafebright, hope you have watched this video? This happened in Effurun, Warri, where one of your men in broad daylight shot a young promising guy. This happened under the supervision of the incompetent CP Delta State, CP Adeyemi John.
“@nigeriapoliceforce have you seen this video? Delta State Command has turned to a police abattoir. The extrajudicial killings happening in Delta State now are becoming too worrisome and have to stop. The officer and his team should be shot in broad daylight in retaliation for the young man killed in this video. We don’t want an orderly room trial, just give us the officers alive.
“We shall block all the roads in Asaba and Effurun until justice is served,” he wrote on Instagram.
While accusing the police of trying to cover up a crime, popular human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu called on the Federal Government to investigate the incident.
“This video is disturbing. Please share to the authorities to investigate this ASAP. This is a live execution carried out by some armed men alleged to be police officers attached to Effurun Area Command. Please share and tag Nigeria Police Force.
“The story is 100% correct. Let the police come out to defend this. They killed the boy to cover up. You caught him and tied both hands behind his back, stripped him of any chance to defend himself. He wasn’t fighting, he wasn’t running, he was begging. Begging for a chance. Begging you to take him to Sapele, to show you someone, anyone, who could speak for him, who could prove his innocence. But you didn’t listen. You pulled the trigger and ended his voice, his plea, his chance to be heard,” he also wrote on his page.
Delta: Outrage as policeman publicly shoots unarmed man dead in live video
