- Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu was allegedly tear-gassed by police in Delta State.
- The incident occurred at the Uvwie-Effurun Area Command during a protest for justice for the late Mene Ogidi.
- Gwamnishu was present to mediate the protest, which aimed to be peaceful.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has raised alarm after allegedly being tear-gassed by police officers during a tense incident at the Uvwie-Effurun Area Command in Delta State.
The activist, who was present to peacefully mediate a protest seeking justice for the late Mene Ogidi, said the situation spiraled out of control despite efforts to maintain calm.
Taking to Instagram to share videos from the scene, Harrison explained that he had visited the deceased’s family alongside other human rights groups before proceeding to the police station. According to him, they waited patiently for the Delta State Commissioner of Police, who had earlier assured them he would address the matter.
However, tensions escalated when the police chief failed to show up as promised. Harrison noted that members of Mene Ogidi also known as Oghenemine’s community arrived at the scene in large numbers and blocked the road in protest.
He said he immediately stepped in to de-escalate the situation and prevent a breakdown of law and order. But rather than calm the crowd, he alleged that police officers suddenly fired tear gas canisters into the gathering.
The chaos reportedly intensified moments later when a group of armed men wielding cutlasses and pump-action rifles stormed the area, attacking protesters and leaving several people injured. Harrison claimed the attackers were allegedly sponsored by the Ekpan Community Chairman.
In his reaction, the activist called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police to issue a formal apology over the incident. He also demanded compensation for damaged property, including torn clothes and a missing phone, as well as medical support for those injured.
“I wish to state that the Delta State Commissioner of Police owes us an apology and should take responsibility for the items that were damaged and lost during the incident. Its alledged they are sponsored by Ekpan Community Chairman. We stand in solidarity with Oghenemine’s family”
Despite the ordeal, Harrison later reassured his followers of his safety in a follow-up video, stating that he was unharmed even after being exposed to tear gas.
“I nor cause any problem but only mediated, but Police bath me with TearGas. I am SAFE and unhurt. Thanks for all your concerns. I sincerely appreciate 🙏 @edafebright, the Command will replace lost phone, torn cloth, treatment of injured persons. I will come fir it at the appropriate time. #EndPoliceBrutality #ExtraJudicialKillings #alwaysfilmthepolice”
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Read some comments below:
@hoodman_______:“God bless that boy wey throw the tear gas back. Na so e suppose be 🙌”
@thesurprisehub_byaijaay:“CANCEL POLICE!!!!!!!! We no need them!!! ATP; they’re causing more harm than good 😢”
@boo_boo_of_london:“Yesterday, I watched a group of angry and tired youths who came out in their numbers to fight for what is supposed to be their constitutional right, thank you @harrison_gwamnishu , history will never forget you . Nigeria Police Stop Killing Us. ………..”
@tamine_d:“This Harrison dey fearless 😢 God bless you always for everything”
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