Security
Delta Crisis: Armed Gang Attack Leaves Policemen Dead, Community Calls for Action
Tensions remain elevated in the Ogbeozoma community of Okpanam, located in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as residents grapple with the aftermath of a violent attack by an armed gang that resulted in the deaths of police officers.
In a formal petition addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, community members have urgently requested intervention regarding the recent brutal invasion of their ancestral land by a notorious criminal group.
The petition, dated July 27 and signed by legal representative Ifeanyi Ejiofor, details a harrowing incident that occurred on July 22, 2024. The gang reportedly stormed the community in approximately 15 Hilux vehicles, armed with an array of sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, as well as daggers and machetes. Disturbingly, some gang members were dressed in various police uniforms, further complicating the situation.
Local security personnel were targeted during the assault, with civilians also suffering brutal attacks, leading to significant property damage estimated in the billions of naira.
According to the petition, the gang has exploited connections with influential security figures to evade justice. The document states, “A few members of the criminal gang were apprehended when their vehicles could not escape the scene in time. In a desperate bid to flee, they opened fire, injuring a policeman before being subdued.”
The courageous officers managed to recover several vehicles left by the attackers, including two Hilux vans and heavy machinery used in the operation, as evidenced by attached photographs.
Furthermore, a captured associate of the gang leader, known as Ekwe Ogidi, has reportedly confessed to the group’s involvement and is providing critical information to authorities at Police Headquarters in Asaba, Delta State. The injured policeman remains hospitalized, receiving intensive medical care.
The petition highlights that Ekwe Ogidi, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, narrowly evaded capture and is currently utilizing his connections within the police force in Abuja to avoid arrest. Reports indicate that efforts by the Delta State Police Command to apprehend Chinedu Okeke, alias Ekwe Ogidi, have been unsuccessful, as he continues to elude law enforcement.
In light of these serious allegations, the community respectfully appeals to Governor Oborevwori for swift action to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that peace is restored in Ogbeozoma.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State for alleged N70 billion fraud.
He was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and missapropriation to the tune of N70 billion.
The Commission is investigating the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, regarding the matter.
The EFCC said investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government.
The money was allegedly moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor.
The BDC operator, Abubakar, earlier jumped bail and has now been rearrested.
The Akwa Ibom police Command has arrested one Victor Okon, 42, for the alleged gruesome murder of his wife, Victoria Okoh, 38, at their residence in Oron.
The police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday.
Ms John said the command’s operatives swiftly responded to a distress call from concerned residents at 05:20 p.m. about the incident.
“On arrival at the scene, the officers discovered the mutilated body of the deceased lying outside the house she shared with her husband,” Mr John said.
She said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly attacked his wife with a machete over accusations of infidelity.
Ms John said further reports indicated that the suspect hid in the ceiling of the house in an attempt to evade arrest.
The PPRO said the officers went into the building and apprehended the man.
“The machete used in committing the crime was recovered by the police, and photographs of the scene were taken for investigation purposes,” she said.
Mr John said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the state’s General Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
She said the suspect would be charged to court soon.
Ms John quoted the commissioner of police, CP Baba Azare, to have condemned the act and assured the public that justice would take its full course.
Mr Azare warned against all forms of domestic violence and called on residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
He pledged the commitment of the command toward ensuring the safety of citizens.
Mr Azare also urged the members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.
Okechukwu, who served at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area, was taken from his residence on Tuesday night. His body was discovered the following day, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
In a statement released two days after his death, the US Mission described the killing as “brutal and senseless” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the mission said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”
The killing of clergy members has become a recurring concern in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target religious leaders, community members, and security forces. The US Mission’s statement reflects growing international concern over insecurity in the region.