Delta Teenager Shot in Alleged Anti-Cult Operation, Survives Near-Fatal Injury
A 16-year-old prospective undergraduate, has survived a gunshot injury following an encounter with operatives of an anti-cult security outfit in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety standards in local security operations.
The event occurred on May 17, 2026, during a stop-and-search exercise at Western Delta Junction in Ogharefe. He was travelling in a Sienna vehicle with two other occupants when armed operatives intercepted them. They were reportedly on a routine trip to buy food items.
Sources said the operatives conducted a search of the vehicle and the occupants. No incriminating items were found.
Tension rose shortly after the search. The occupants were allegedly asked to unlock their mobile phones, but they declined. The situation escalated soon after.
Dr. Victor Williams Efe, father of the affected person, said the operatives demanded money and threatened to take them to a police station. He alleged that refusal to comply triggered violence.
According to him, the affected persons were beaten with cutlasses and other weapons. During the confrontation, a firearm discharged, and Divine was struck in the leg.
He escaped more severe injury by a narrow margin. Medical personnel later warned that the injury could lead to partial amputation of a toe.
The student, speaking from his hospital bed, described the incident as shocking and unprovoked. He insisted that they cooperated fully during the stop-and-search.
“I was not involved in any offence,” he said. “They searched everything and found nothing.”
He added that pressure for money preceded the attack. The teenager said the experience left him deeply traumatized.
Dr. Efe has called for stronger regulation of local security groups. He warned that unchecked operations could endanger more young people.
He also raised concerns about alleged extortion and abuse by some operatives, arguing that protection duties are being undermined.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has repeatedly stressed professionalism and respect for human rights in security operations. Authorities continue to engage stakeholders on improving accountability and public safety.
