A 16-year-old prospective undergraduate, Divine Efe, narrowly escaped death after he was allegedly shot by an operative attached to an anti-cult security outfit in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Western Delta Junction in Ogharefe, where operatives mounted a stop-and-search operation.
Divine, son of Dr. Victor Williams Efe of Delta Southern University, was said to be travelling in a Sienna vehicle with two others from Oghara to a neighbouring community to purchase food items when the incident happened.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the vehicle was stopped by armed operatives, who allegedly ordered all occupants to disembark for a search.
Narrating the incident, the victim’s father said nothing incriminating was found on the passengers or inside the vehicle after a thorough search.
“From what my son told me and what eyewitnesses confirmed, the anti-cult men searched the vehicle and found no drugs or incriminating materials.
“They demanded to check their phones, but the boys refused. One of the operatives then said they should ‘do transfer.’ My son explained that they had no money apart from what they intended to use to buy food and pleaded with them to let them go,” he said.
According to him, the situation degenerated after the operatives allegedly insisted on extorting money from the occupants and threatened to take them to the police station.
He alleged that the young men were beaten with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons before a gun accidentally discharged.
“It was during the assault that one of the guns fired. The bullets spread and hit my son on the leg. He narrowly escaped being shot in the face,” he added.
The father said he received a distress call around 10:33 p.m. informing him that his son had been rushed to the hospital after being shot by security personnel.
“My wife got to the hospital and confirmed the incident. My son almost lost one of his toes due to the gunshot injury,” he said.
He explained that doctors immediately commenced treatment and later requested a deposit of N400,000 to facilitate specialist care and observation by an orthopaedic surgeon.
“The orthopaedic doctor placed him on observation to determine whether the toe would respond to treatment or require amputation. The medical expenses have been enormous,” he lamented.
Dr. Efe expressed concern over the activities of some local security outfits, alleging that extortion and brutality had become rampant.
“What happened to my son can happen to anybody if these security outfits are not called to order. Most of these deaths and attacks are linked to untrained personnel whose intention is extortion rather than protection,” he said.
He called on the Divisional Police Officer in Oghara, the Ovie of Oghara, political leaders, and other stakeholders to intervene and prevent a recurrence.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Divine described the incident as traumatic and unprovoked.
“I was not involved in any crime or violence. They searched us and the vehicle, and nothing incriminating was found.
“They approached us aggressively, and despite our efforts to remain calm, they suddenly became violent. I even offered to buy fuel for them to avoid trouble.
“Before I knew what was happening, they started beating my friend mercilessly. Then one of them pulled out a gun and fired. The bullet struck my leg and my whole world changed,” he said.
The teenager questioned why he was attacked despite cooperating with the operatives.
“The pain was unbearable, but beyond the physical pain was the emotional trauma. I kept asking myself why someone would intentionally harm another human being who posed no threat,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has reiterated the need for professionalism and respect for human rights among police personnel.
The police commissioner spoke during separate interactive sessions held with police officers, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee, and other stakeholders across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the engagement was organised in line with the Police Service Commission’s efforts to address human rights violations and strengthen community policing.
Edafe said the sessions were facilitated by a Police Service Commission consultant on community policing and human rights, Dr. Olayinka Balogun.
According to the statement, the resource person educated participants on police constitutional powers, citizens’ rights during police interventions, and the importance of strengthening trust between the police and communities.
“During the engagement with officers, the consultant emphasised professionalism, due process, and strict compliance with fundamental human rights standards in the discharge of policing duties,” the statement added.
The statement further quoted the commissioner as urging officers to embrace lawful, accountable, and people-oriented policing to sustain public confidence in the force.
