Metro

27 Houses Razed As Delta Communities Engage In Free-for-all Fight Over Land Dispute

Published

5 years ago

June 21, 2021

Editor

Not less than 27 residential buildings have been razed in the wake of a boundary dispute between two communitie – Obubu and Oleri in Udu council area of Delta state.

It was gathered the conflict began last Tuesday afternoon when a real estate developer from Obubu community allegedly trespassed a land belonging to neighbouring Oleri.

According to reports, some angry indigenes of Oleri allegedly stormed the land for development, forcing the equipment away from the location and further invaded Obubu community, setting houses on fire over alleged trespass of their land.

Indigenes of Obubu, including women and children, were said to have scampered for safety, seeking refuge in other neighbouring communities to avoid been caught up in the onslaught.

Though details of the incident were not clear as of press time, it was gathered that warriors from Obubu made attempt to retaliate the attack the following day but were repelled by Oleri youths.

Although no death was recorded, the clash reportedly left several persons from the two communities with varying degrees of wounds.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said in 2001, the Ovie of Udu kingdom and people from both communities sat and resolved the matter by sharing the disputed lands for both communities.

“It was after then that a tourist centre came and they (Oleri) gave out 350 acres for the tourist centre, another 50 acres to a Catholic church,” the source said.

Councillor of Obubu ward, Hon. Oputu Awhotu, confirmed all 27 houses burnt are in Obubu community, adding the community is still under threat of attack in a conversation with The Nation.

He said a visit to the land in question showed it is a portion that has never been in dispute between the communities.

He explained though both communities have had boundary disputes in time past, some of them were “settled out of court and others in favour of Obubu community”.

“The place they took the bulldozer to has never been in dispute between Obubu and Oleri communities. So these guys attacked Obubu and said the machine must not work.

“Nobody in Obubu had dispute with Oleri community, so they just attacked, shooting anyhow and burning houses. Either 27 or 28 houses were burnt.

“The current situation is we are still facing threats of their attack. The council called both communities over the matter, they came for inspection too. But there is still threat on the community. Almost members fled from the community.

“Yesterday, Obubu community went to the king but we did not meet him. We will go again. But I know he is aware of what is happening,” Ahwotu stated.

Efforts to speak with an indigene of Oleri community, Moses Segba (Esq.), proved futile as of press time.

Operatives of Delta Police Command and soldiers were reportedly drafted to the area to stem further hostilities.

The soldiers were said to have occupied the land in dispute to avert further crisis from either sides.

Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating that only 17 houses were burnt.

Though he could not give update on the current situation, the PPRO assured that “sanity has been restored to the area”.

(NATION)

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

15 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.