By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
Leaders of Edjekota-Ogor community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over what they described as extrajudicial killings and unlawful arrests of their members by police officers under the Ughelli Area Command. The community insists that the actions of the police and vigilantes have caused needless bloodshed and are attempts to fabricate a communal crisis where none exists.
Speaking at a press briefing in the community town hall, Pastor Oghenemakpor Uyo, President-General of Edjekota, recounted how police officers allegedly stormed the farmlands of residents on April 7th, arresting several individuals without any prior invitation or formal notice. According to him, the arrests were reportedly based on complaints from a family in the neighbouring Ewu community over a land dispute already before a customary court in Edjophe.
“What should have been a day of productivity turned into a tragedy. Our people went to clear their farms and were arrested without provocation,” Uyo said. “No invitation was issued. No prior notice was given. They were just whisked away and taken to Ughelli.”
The incident, which the community has since dubbed “Black Monday,” escalated when Edjekota youths staged a peaceful protest to demand the release of the detained farmers. Uyo alleged that police officers led by one ASP Robinson, alongside a local vigilante named Henry Okoro, both from Ewu, opened fire on the protesters.
Two lives were lost in the chaos — Mr. Amakashi Martins from Edjekota and Mr. Victor Akpojarho from Ewu — while several others sustained gunshot wounds. The community maintains that both deceased were unarmed and had no involvement in violence.
“These were innocent Nigerians. There was no justification for their deaths. Instead of addressing the land dispute through legal channels, the police decided to use force,” Uyo lamented.
He accused the Ughelli Area Command of peddling a false narrative of a communal clash between Edjekota and Ewu communities to cover up what he called “unprofessional conduct and human rights abuse.”
“There is no communal crisis. What exists is a land dispute between two families — one in Edjekota and another in Ewu — and that case is already in court. The police are simply trying to manufacture a crisis to shield their misconduct,” he stressed.
The Edjekota community has now issued several demands: the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested individuals, a commission of inquiry to investigate the actions of the police and vigilantes, and disciplinary action against the officers involved.
They also called on the Delta State Government and the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure justice is served.
“Who gave the order to open fire on peaceful protesters?” Uyo queried. “Why are the officers who carried out these killings still walking free? We need answers. We need justice.”
As of press time, the Delta State Police Command has yet to respond to the allegations.