Twenty (20) suspects have been arrested over their alleged involvement in a violent overnight attack on vigilantes in Orhuwhorun, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The attack, reportedly carried out by suspected Hausa/Fulani persons using an abandoned residence of late Chief Austine Ogbaburhon as a hideout, has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the locality.
The Chairman of Udu LGA, Hon. Vincent Oyibode, speaking during his spot assessment visit to the area, revealed that prior intelligence reports had raised concerns about suspicious movements around the abandoned building, which prompted the community’s President to deploy vigilantes for investigation.
“The vigilante team was reportedly ambushed on arrival, leaving one operative in a coma and several others critically injured. The notorious group also destroyed the Orhuwhorun community’s vigilantes’ patrol van during the attack, further worsening the severity of the assault,” Oyibode said.
Community sources revealed that police operatives had raided the building the previous Friday and ordered the illegal occupants to vacate.
“The vigilante team revisited the location on Monday night to confirm compliance, but was met with brutal resistance from the suspects believed to be linked to several criminal acts within Orhuwhorun and its environs.
“A swift counter-operation involving the community and the Udu Security Network led to the arrest of 20 suspects, along with the recovery of motorcycles and bags believed to be ‘tools of operation.”
Oyibode added that scores of other suspects fled toward the axis after the operation.
Describing the abandoned building as “a den of criminals,” the Chairman stated that intelligence reports indicate a wider network of suspicious groups operating in parts of Udu.
He commended the President of the Orhuwhorun community, Engr. Ejiro Uviejitobor and the vigilant security operatives for their bravery in the face of danger.
Oyibode emphasised that the community will not tolerate any form of criminality, warning that while the local government remains hospitable to all peaceful residents, anyone who attempts to disrupt the peace will face severe consequences.
As part of immediate security measures, he also announced that all Hausa residents in the LGA will be invited for a security engagement within the week.
He also disclosed that the council would soon commence a compulsory registration exercise for motorcycle and tricycle operators in the LGA. “Riders will be required to obtain approved aprons and ID cards with unique identification numbers backed by credible guarantors.”
He further directed all community presidents to enhance surveillance, identify all occupants within their respective domains, and monitor any unusual movements.
“Watch your back, watch your backyard. Know the people living around you. We will not condone insecurity in any form,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, the 20 arrested suspects have been transferred to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Chairman also directed the immediate transfer of the injured vigilantes and others from Orhuwhorun Health Centre to the Federal Medical Centre, Otor-Udu, assuring residents that his administration remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.