No fewer than two people have been killed in an onslaught on indigenes and residents of Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha south local government area of Delta State.
It was alleged that suspected Fulani herdsmen in connivance with insiders, abducts prominent businessmen and the loots are shared at the end of the illicit business.
In attempt to stop the henious crime, in the community, suspected Fulani herdsmen waylaid a member of the Ubulu-Uku vigilante group, killing him on the spot.
Trouble started on Monday October 9th 2023, when in Ubulu-Uku when the assailants laid siege in the bush along Ubulu-Uku-Issele-Uku major road where men of the community vigilante mount vigilance.
It was gathered that the deceased was riding on his motorcycle, otherwise known as Okada to their security spot when the hooligans opened fire on him.
It was reliably learnt that there was an uproar in the community, leading to a wide protest after an additional one person was killed, making it a total of two deaths.
Findings revealed that the shooting led to exchange of gun battle between the vigilante and the hoodlums who were alleged to be heavily armed with sophisticated assault rifles.
The criminals were reported to have retreated deep into the forest following the shooting.
A source who do not want the name on print said that besides the vigilante man who was shot, a commercial motorcycle operator was equally shot on the hand, while his motorcycle was burnt to ashes.
“The Okada man is however receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. We don’t know what prompted the attack, because at the end of the day, we can not say the hoodlums are robbers.
“If they are robbers, what is the need attacking a vigilante man who has nothing on him. Whoever they are, they have an evil motive”, hinted our source.
Confirming the incident, the Ubulu-Uku vigilante chairman, Chief James Adoh when contacted on phone, said the worst has been visited on the community.
He lamented that such has never happened before, adding that while the incident is regrettable, they will not rest until the hoodlums are apprehended.
Although it could not be confirmed, sources said youths of the community has embarked on a heavy protest over the incident.
According to information making the round, Hausas who are resident in the community have had to relocate from the community for fear of reprisal attack.
But addressing journalists at the State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wale Abass, who confirmed the ugly development on Tuesday October 10th 2023, said a tactical team from the command was immediately deployed to the troubled community, to restore peace in the area.
On the crisis that rocked the community, CP Abass, said: “It was just a mere disagreement altercation between two people. Prior to yesterday’s attack, I think I heard that there was a problem between the vigilante group and other members of the community.
“That resulted to the death of a vigilante man. Like I said, there is no gain for anybody to resort to self-help.
“The law is there to take care of any infractions. All along, I was expecting that once it happens, the next point of call should be at the nearest police station where the case should be reported but unfortunately, that was not the case.
“What they did was to lay ambush for the other side and they ambushed them, attacked them. I think we have about two casualties so far. When this thing broke out, we had no choice than to deploy more tactical teams to compliment the effort of the Divisional Police Officer who controls that area.
“At a point, we realized that they may not be able probably because of the number because the two factions came out with a very large number. So, I have no choice than to deploy the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations with more tactical teams and mobile men to ensure they restore peace, which they eventually did.
“Somebody was arrested, which they said, they wanted to lynch. We said no, we stood our ground and said the law is there to take care of any infraction.
“One was arrested and was brought to the State Command, he is now with us here. We are going to kick start our own investigation and I want to use this opportunity to sound a serious note of warning to members of the public, we are not in a Banana Island.
“If there is any infraction, the law is there. You should be able to have a report to the law enforcement agents who are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace”.
He condemned in its entirety the idea of resorting to self-help instead of reporting to the appropriate quarter for necessary action.
Asked that there are reports that the crisis erupted due to Fulani herdsmen, he said “just like I have told you, the … yeah! If it is herdsmen, that is why I told you two factions, we have started investigation.
“The investigation will definitely unravel the mystery behind the whole thing, that we have started and as soon as we get to the root of the whole matter, we will make it public”, he assured.
He revealed that in the month of September, arrested 13 kidnappers, 7 robbers, and 72 cultists, recovered 54 firearms, 286 ammunition, 195 cartridges, and rescuing 9 kidnapped victims.
CP Abass commended the various sister security agencies in the State for their continuous collaboration with the Command.
He condemned the act of jungle justice by members of the public.
“Apart from being an act of self-help, jungle justice is barbaric. It fosters a circle of violence and lawlessness, thereby sabotaging the prospect of having the fundamental human rights of the victims protected.
“In several instances, victims of self-help are attacked based on frivolous allegations without being allowed access to a fair hearing.
“The Command will no longer tolerate this human rights abuse, as anyone who engages in such practise will be identified, fished out, and dealt with in accordance with the law.”
