Tension remains high in the Ogbeozoma community in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State after a violent attack by a notorious criminal gang resulted in the death of a policeman and the destruction of property worth billions of naira.
The incident, which occurred on July 22, 2024, has left the community in fear and calling for urgent intervention from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
In a petition dated July 27, 2024, and signed by their counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the residents detailed the harrowing experience of the attack.
The gang, reportedly arriving in about 15 Hilux vehicles, was armed with a range of weapons, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, daggers, machetes, and various charms.
Disturbingly, the assailants were dressed in special police uniforms, adding to the confusion and chaos during the attack.
The community claims that the gang members, allegedly with connections to high-ranking security officials, have been using these links to evade justice.
They described how security agents on duty were not spared, with some civilians also brutally assaulted and properties extensively damaged.
The petition revealed that during the attack, a group of the gang members were intercepted by police officers responding to the scene.
An altercation ensued, leading to the gang opening fire on the police, fatally injuring an officer.
Despite the chaos, the police managed to disarm and arrest some of the attackers, recovering vehicles and earth-moving equipment left behind.
Among the arrested was a key henchman of the gang’s leader, identified as Chinedu Okeke, alias Ekwe Ogidi.
It was gathered that the arrested suspect has reportedly provided valuable information to the authorities at the Police Headquarters in Asaba, Delta State.
However, the gang leader, Okeke,has narrowly escaped and is allegedly using his connections within the police high command in Abuja to avoid arrest.
The petitioners have expressed grave concerns over Okeke’s ability to evade capture, noting that despite the efforts of the Delta State Police Command, he remains at large, reportedly moving between offices at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
They urge Governor Oborevwori to intervene expeditiously, emphasising the severity of the allegations and the need for justice.
It was further gathered that the incident has left the Ogbeozoma community in a state of anxiety, with residents fearing further attacks.
According to the petition,the community hopes that the governor’s intervention will bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and security to their area.
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