Tension escalates in Delta as youths set another tanker ablaze in soldiers’ presence

Barely six hours to the 48-hour curfew announced by Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, angry youths have burnt down another tanker at the Effurun Roundabout, few hours after they burnt the petroleum tanker that killed an unknown youth in the same roundabout, Fresh Angle International understands.

The youths were said to be heading for a third tanker as soldiers deployed to douse the tension watched helplessly, following directive by the Defence Headquarters that they should adopt a more civil rule of engagement with the protesting youths.

We had reported that there was palpable tension at the popular Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie Local Government of Delta State, as youths were reportedly preventing soldiers from carrying the lifeless body of a youth allegedly killed by tanker this morning, Thursday October 22.

It was unclear, if the unidentified youth killed by the tanker conveying petroleum product, was among the #EndSARS# protesters that have been at the busy Effurun Roundabout for several days.

Angry youths in the area, were said to have set the tanker ablaze immediately it killed the yet- to- be identified youth and were allegedly threatening to burn more tankers as at press time.

Soldiers from the Nigerian Army, 3 Battalion, Effurun, who were deployed to the scene to douse tension and possibly evacuate remains of the unknown youth, were prevented from coming close to the corpse by the angry youths, who were said to be naked and sitting on top of the lifeless body.

Meanwhile, youths from different communities around Warri and Effurun, have staged barricades and bonfire, restricting movements to their various communities, even as some shops in Main Market, Warri were under lock and key as at press time, while parents/guardians were running to schools, in a bid to withdraw their children over fear of the #EndSARS# crisis escalating.  

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