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Hundreds of residents of the oil-rich Ugborodo Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State protested the alleged release of suspects arrested over the April 7 invasion of Ogidigben community.
The protesters, in large numbers, trooped into the streets of the riverine Ogidigben, demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the suspects.
Daily Sun reports that the suspects were apprehended with arms and ammunition after the December 20, 2025 alleged attack on Ogidigben, which reportedly led to the death of one Mr Emiko Onuwaje and heightened tensions throughout the community.
The protesters said:
“for several months, the people of Ogidigben and surrounding communities have experienced recurring invasion and other security challenges allegedly perpetrated by armed groups operating within the area.
“These incidents have reportedly resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of economic activities, and widespread fear among residents”.
Narrating the incidents that led to the protest, leaders of the Ugborodo Community National Youth Council, in a press statement signed by Mr Richard Arubi (Chairman), said that between 6 and 7 April 2026, more than thirty heavily armed assailants reportedly invaded Ogidigben Community.
“In our accounts as residents, the attackers fired sporadically throughout the night, causing panic and confusion across Ogidigben, Ajudaibo, Madangho, Akpakpa, Ogogoro, Ajokorogbo, Elolo and neighbouring communities.
“Women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable residents reportedly fled into nearby bushes and swamps to escape the violence.
“The sustained gunfire effectively paralysed community life and left residents traumatised and uncertain about their safety.
“Before military personnel arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m., the attackers had reportedly retreated into surrounding bushes and creeks”.
They disclosed that some of the suspected attackers, reportedly unfamiliar with the terrain, who were held by vigilantes, escaped mob action after community leaders intervened and ensured they were handed over to government security authorities.
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The protesters said that the suspects, who included a couple, made confessional statements during interrogation, claiming they were recruited by some individuals, including a traditional chief and others yet to be identified.
“The suspects allegedly linked these individuals to violent activities within the community and reportedly admitted participating in the armed operation carried out on the night of the attack”.
They claimed that following the arrests, security operatives reportedly recovered several weapons and related items from a location alleged to be connected to the suspects.
“The recovered items reportedly included: four (4) AK-47 rifles; six (6) magazines; ammunition of various calibres; cutlasses; dangerous weapons and charms”.
The leaders said that as a law-abiding community, the suspects were not harmed but were instead handed over peacefully to the then Army Capt. commanding Escravos, who in turn transferred the suspects to 33 Battalion of the Nigerian Army Command in Effurun, Delta State, for proper investigation into the source of the cache of arms and possible prosecution.
Expressing dismay over the whereabouts of the suspects, some of whom they alleged are now walking freely in Warri, the protesters, in a petition read during the protest, demanded answers to the following questions:
“what is the official status of the suspects apprehended after the Ogidigben attack? Were the suspects formally charged before a court of competent jurisdiction? Considering the petition filed by the community, what became of the weapons and ammunition reportedly recovered during the operation?
“Was a comprehensive investigation conducted following the alleged confessional statements? If the suspects were released, what legal or evidentiary basis informed such a decision? Were victims and community representatives informed of the outcome of the investigation?”
Demanding a thorough independent investigation into the status of the suspects and the recovered weapons, the petition dated 9 June 2026, which was addressed to the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army 3 Battalion, Effurun, and copied to the Chief of Army Staff, Director-General of the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, the Governor of Delta State and other relevant authorities, said it had lost confidence in the officers handling the matter since December 2025.
Signed by Mr Peter Aihiokhai (Esq) on behalf of the Ugborodo Management Community, the petitioners alleged that the activities of the suspects have crippled the social and economic life of Ogidigben residents, who now live in fear of possible attacks.
The community youth body reaffirmed its commitment to peace, lawful engagement and constructive collaboration with government institutions, adding, however, that it would not fold its arms while serious allegations remain unanswered.
