The crisis in Ogbeozoma community in Okpanam, Delta State has taken a dramatic twist with a reported attack by criminals, resulting in injuries to security operatives.
The incident occurred on July 22, 2024, when a group of hoodlums, led by Chinedu Okeke, also known as Ekwe-Ogidi, attacked the community.
Chinedu Okeke is the Managing Director of Ekwe Ogidi Integrated Resources Limited and the Chief Executive of Golden Tulip Hotel, Asaba.
Efforts to reach the Spokesperson of Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, for a response were unsuccessful.
In a statement issued by the community on Thursday, they called on the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation into the crimes.
The statement, signed by community leaders, demanded that the culprits be charged to court if there is sufficient evidence.
According to the statement, the peaceful community of Ogbeozoma was invaded by armed criminals in the early hours of July 22, 2024. During the attack, security agents and civilians were assaulted, and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed.
Fortunately, the well-trained policemen on duty were able to overpower and arrest several members of the criminal gang, confiscating their vehicles and weapons.
The arrested individuals are currently providing useful information to the police, while the injured policemen are receiving treatment.
The statement also mentioned that Chinedu Okeke, the ringleader of the assailants, narrowly escaped and is using his connections within the Police High Command to evade arrest.
This is not the first time that Ogbeozoma community has been targeted by Chinedu Okeke and his criminal gangs. The community urges the Nigeria Police Force to conduct an unbiased investigation into his activities.
Chinedu Okeke is known for land grabbing in Asaba, and the community believes that the state authorities have not taken sufficient action against him.
The Ogbeozoma community calls on the Inspector General of Police to direct a thorough investigation into these heinous crimes. They also urge the police to prevent Chinedu Okeke from retrieving the confiscated vehicles and weapons.
The community asserts that the land in question belongs to them and has been legally settled in previous court judgments. They accuse Chinedu Okeke of attempting to displace them from their ancestral land.
Once again, the community appeals to the Governor of Delta State and the Inspector General of Police to ensure a comprehensive investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
