Twenty suspects have been arrested following a violent overnight attack on community vigilantes in Orhuwhorun, Udu local government area of Delta State.
The attack, reportedly carried out by suspected Hausa/Fulani occupants using the abandoned residence of late Chief Austine Ogbaburhon as a hideout, has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the locality.
The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Vincent Oyibode, visited the troubled community, vowing decisive action to curb criminal activities across Udu.
Speaking during his spot assessment visit, Oyibode said he rushed to Orhuwhorun immediately after returning from Asaba, having received a distress call from the community leadership throughout the night.
He revealed that prior intelligence reports had raised concerns about suspicious movements around the abandoned building, prompting the community President to deploy vigilante operatives for further investigation.
However, 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.
Community sources revealed that police operatives had raided the same building the previous Friday, ordering 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.”
Several others reportedly fled toward the DSC axis.
Describing the abandoned building as “a den of criminals,” the Council Chairman stated that intelligence reports point to a wider chain of suspicious groups operating in parts of Udu.
He commended the President of Orhuwhorun community, Engr. Ejiro Uviejitobor, and the vigilant security operatives for their bravery in the face of danger.
Oyibode emphasized that Udu will not tolerate any form of criminality, warning that while the local government remains hospitable to all peaceful residents indigenes and non-indigenes alike anyone who attempts to disrupt the peace will face severe consequences.
As part of immediate security measures, he announced that all Hausa residents in Udu will be invited for a security engagement meeting within the week.
He also disclosed that the council will soon commence a compulsory registration exercise for Okada and Keke operators.
“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 domains, and monitor 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 ordered the immediate transfer of the injured vigilante members 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 across Udu LGA.
