BY MATTHIAS OGBAGAH, WARRI
Relative peace has returned to Ughelli, the administrative headquarters of Ughelli north local government area of Delta State, as businesses and commercial activities partially
resumed on the third day of the ongoing nationwide
protest.
Despite the initial fear of violent disruption and reprisal from the aggrieved protesters, the council area has remained calm, with protesters chickening out of the protest following a stern warning from the council boss, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and Nigerian police.
Some markets, shops, and other businesses that were closed on the first and second day of the protest have reopened, with traders and customers going about their daily activities.
Transportation services have also partially resumed at the state’s transport line Delta Line at Otovwodo Ughelli, with vehicles plying the roads and commuters going about their daily journeys.
The protesters, who are demanding good governance, economic development, and an end to corruption, have been marching through major streets in the cities of Delta State chanting slogans and waving placards.
The partial relative peace and resumption of business and commercial activities in Ughelli North council the epicenter of the hunger protest in Delta State were attributed heavy presence of police and other security agencies who are visible around Otovwodo junction, providing security and ensuring that the protests remain peaceful.
Some residents who initially stayed indoors due to fear of violence have begun to come out, going about their daily activities with a sense of relief.
Earlier, some of the protesters who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity blamed the Ughelli North Council chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo for instigating some youths in the council area against the protesters which led to a clash between police and the peaceful protesters.