Tragedy In Ughelli As Police Chase Ends In Fatal Crash That Claims Three Lives And Injures Many In Delta Market [VIDEO]

 

Tension filled the air in Ughelli, Delta State, on Monday afternoon when an intense police pursuit ended in a devastating crash that claimed at least three lives and left several others seriously injured. The incident, which occurred near the bustling Agbarah Road, involved operatives of the security task force known as Operation Sweep and a group of young men driving a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, saying what began as a routine chase quickly turned into a nightmare for traders and residents who were caught in the crossfire. The security officers, who had reportedly been on patrol around the Agbarah axis, allegedly flagged down the GLK for a search. Instead of stopping, the driver attempted to escape, triggering a high-speed chase that tore through the busy town center.

According to bystanders, the police operatives fired several warning shots during the pursuit, aiming to disable the fleeing vehicle. In an attempt to halt the car, some officers allegedly targeted the tyres, leading to the tragic loss of control that sent the GLK careening into a crowded section of the Ughelli market. The impact was catastrophic, as the vehicle rammed into roadside stalls and struck several people before finally coming to a halt.

A fruit vendor, who narrowly escaped being hit, recounted through tears how the accident unfolded within seconds. She said, “I was arranging my goods when I heard gunshots. Before we knew it, the car lost control and came straight into the market. People were shouting and running everywhere. Three people died immediately, and many others were bleeding badly.”

The aftermath left the usually lively market in disarray. Stalls were destroyed, goods scattered across the road, and the sound of wailing filled the air as traders and sympathizers rushed to help the injured. Emergency responders and police reinforcement soon arrived, but the situation was already dire. Witnesses say it took considerable time before ambulances could navigate through the crowd to evacuate the victims to nearby hospitals.

At the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased were yet to be officially released, although local residents claim two of them were traders at the market while the third victim was a passerby. Several others, including both men and women, were said to be receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries at the Ughelli Central Hospital.

Tensions reportedly escalated after the crash as angry youths gathered, accusing the police of reckless conduct. Some attempted to confront the officers, but security reinforcements quickly dispersed the crowd to prevent further violence. Shops were hurriedly closed, and traffic was diverted from the area as fear and grief spread among residents.

Community leaders in Ughelli have since condemned the handling of the situation, calling for a full investigation into the incident. One youth leader stated, “We understand the need for security operations, but shooting at a moving vehicle in a populated area is unacceptable. Innocent lives have been wasted, and this could have been avoided.”

The Delta State Police Command is yet to issue a detailed statement on the event, though an initial report suggests that the fleeing suspects were under suspicion for involvement in a criminal act. However, many residents remain skeptical, arguing that even if the young men were guilty, the officers’ approach was careless and dangerous.

Security analysts have also weighed in, stressing the need for better operational discipline and adherence to the rules of engagement among security personnel. They noted that the use of firearms in congested areas should be the absolute last resort, especially in environments where civilians are likely to be caught in the line of fire.

As evening approached, the Ughelli market remained closed, with broken stalls and blood-stained pavements serving as grim reminders of the tragedy. Families of the victims gathered at the hospital and police station, demanding justice and clarity over what truly transpired.

The incident has reignited discussions about policing methods in Nigeria and the recurring pattern of civilian casualties during law enforcement operations. For many residents of Ughelli, Monday’s crash was not just a tragic accident but another painful chapter in the ongoing struggle between citizens and the security forces meant to protect them.

Grief, anger, and uncertainty now hang over the town as residents call on the Delta State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure accountability and prevent such devastating incidents from happening again.

Tension erupted this afternoon in Ughelli, Delta State, as security agency "Operation Sweep" pursued some young men driving a GLK from Agbarah Road. While the driver tried to flee, police officers shøt at the car tyres, causing the GLK to crash into a market, k!ll!ng 3 people and… pic.twitter.com/utNb7cCLTH

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 3, 2025