Suspected gunmen injure man, abandon ammunition in Delta community assault
Tension Rises in Delta State Community Following Armed Attack
Edjekota-Ogor, Delta State — The Edjekota-Ogor Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area is grappling with heightened tensions after an armed attack on a young man returning home from a food purchase on Monday.
The assault left the unidentified victim hospitalized with injuries, according to local sources.
Community leaders are expressing growing concern over increasing insecurity in the area. Pastor Oghenemakpo Uyo, the President-General of Edjekota-Ogor, detailed the incident, stating that the assailants emerged from a nearby bush along the Oviri-Ogor/Edjekota-Ogor Road. They attempted to force the victim to accompany them to an undisclosed location.
The victim resisted, which led to an attack with machetes and gunfire, Uyo said. Local vigilante members intervened, rescuing the victim and transporting him to a medical facility for treatment.
“I heard a gunshot and immediately alerted members of the community security outfit. As they approached the area, the attackers fled into the bush,” Uyo recounted.
At the scene, items believed to belong to the assailants were discovered, including a machete, a bag containing ammunition, food items, and cigarettes.
The injured man, who asked to remain anonymous, described his ordeal, stating that three armed men confronted him, demanding he follow them. “They attacked me with a cutlass and shot me several times before fleeing when community vigilantes arrived,” he said.
In a related incident, Uyo alleged that a few days following the attack, suspected herders entered the community to buy food but were apprehended by residents and later handed over to the police, along with items recovered from them.
This incident has intensified fears among local residents, prompting calls for increased security from both government authorities and law enforcement.
Former House of Representatives aspirant Hon. Obakpororo Johnny condemned the attack and urged both the Delta State and Federal Governments to urgently address the security challenges affecting rural communities.
Additionally, personnel from TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited reportedly escaped an ambush while performing their duties in the area.
As of now, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
