By Joe Udo
ABRAKA (CONVERSEER) – A pregnant woman was allegedly shot dead on Saturday evening during a military chase of suspected internet fraudsters (aka Yahoo Boys) in the Abraka community, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The woman, whose identity was yet to be confirmed as of press time, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet fired by soldiers attached to Operation Delta Sweep while pursuing men suspected to be “Yahoo Boys.”
A viral video circulating on social media showed the victim, clad in a white shirt soaked in blood, being rushed into a vehicle by a uniformed man in an effort to save her life.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident began when soldiers flagged down the suspected fraudsters for a routine search. The men allegedly ignored the order and sped off, prompting the soldiers to give chase. In the process, they reportedly fired several gunshots, one of which struck the woman, who was said to have been going about her normal activities.
According to Vanguard, she was rushed for medical attention but died before reaching the hospital.
The shooting immediately triggered outrage in the community, as indigenes, residents, and students staged protests against the soldiers. Demonstrators accused the troops of recklessness and misuse of firearms, describing the incident as avoidable.
Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Delta State Police Command proved unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, did not respond to calls or messages regarding the incident at press time.
