Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A bloody protest for the scrapping of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by suspected internet fraudsters has allegedly claimed three youths in Ughelli, Delta State.
This is just as no fewer than 20 fuel trucks were also reportedly burnt in the melee that engulfed the ancient town on Tuesday when security forces were deployed to the scene.
The deceased are believed to be youths in their 20s.
Local sources said the over 20 trucks burnt by the angry youths at Otovwodo, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state were laden with petroleum products and granites.
Stonix News gathered that the youths had earlier barricaded the Otovwodo axis of the East/West road and disrupted vehicular movement and other economic activities.
Their grievance was the alleged incessant arrest by officials of the EFCC over internet related frauds.
But the initially mild protest reportedly degenerated into violence after security forces were drafted to clear barricades.
A protester, who identified himself as Johnson, put their grievance this way:
“We want peace in Nigeria and they are using EFCC to disorganize and prevent the youths from voting at the 2023 general election and we will not accept it from anyone.”
Another protester, who gave his name as Christian, simply said, “the activities of EFCC are becoming too much; we do not have good roads, schools are on strike, even after graduating, no jobs and they are here chasing shadows.”
He accused political leaders of massive looting of the country’s treasury only to be chasing after youths who’re only trying to eke a living, asking rhetorically “is their money missing, or is it their fathers money?”
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, told Stonix News late Tuesday night that only one person died and two persons injured.
He also confirmed the destruction of trucks with fire by the protesting youths.