By Sunday Apah
A sense of calm has settled over Ughelli, the administrative headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, as businesses and commercial activities have started to resume to some extent on the third day of the nationwide protest.
Despite initial concerns about potential disruptions and retaliation from the protesting groups, the area has remained peaceful, with protesters backing down following a strong warning from the council chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Nigerian police.
Several markets, shops, and other businesses that were closed during the first and second days of the protest have reopened, allowing traders and customers to carry on with their daily routines.
Transportation services have also started to operate partially at the state’s transport hub, Delta Line at Otovwodo Ughelli, with vehicles back on the roads and commuters continuing with their usual journeys.
The protesters, who are advocating for good governance, economic development, and an end to corruption, have been marching through the main streets of Ughelli, chanting slogans and displaying placards.
The improved peace and the gradual resumption of business and commercial activities in Ughelli North, the focal point of the protest in Delta State, are credited to the heavy presence of police and other security forces who are prominently stationed around Otovwodo junction.
They are ensuring security and working to maintain the peaceful nature of the protests.
Residents who had initially stayed indoors out of fear have started to venture out, relieved to be able to resume their daily activities with a renewed sense of safety.
Previously, a few protesters who requested anonymity when speaking with our correspondent pointed fingers at Hon. Jaro Egbo, the chairman of Ughelli North Council, accusing him of inciting certain youths in the area against the protesters.
This alleged provocation resulted in a confrontation between the police and the peaceful demonstrators, they alleged.