Delta communities stage protests, expresses fear of attack over release of armed suspects

Warri, Delta – Hundreds of residents of the oil-rich Ugborodo Federated Communities, particularly in Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, held a peaceful protest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, alleging that suspects arrested in connection with previous armed attacks on their community have been released by security agencies and are now planning a fresh assault.

The protesters, carrying placards and banners, voiced fears for their safety and called on the Delta State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to investigate the alleged release and prevent further violence.

The demonstration took place at Ogidigben amid ongoing trauma from prior incidents.

Community leaders alleged that suspects arrested after attacks on Ogidigben including one on December 20, 2025, and another on April 6–7, 2026 were released without being arraigned in court.

During the December 20, 2025 incident, Mr. Emiko Onuwaje was reportedly killed, heightening tensions in the area.

The April invasion involved more than 30 heavily armed assailants who fired sporadically through the night, forcing women, children, and the elderly to flee into bushes and swamps. The attackers later retreated as military personnel responded.

Nigerian Army troops and vigilantes apprehended some suspects, including a couple, who reportedly made confessional statements.

Security operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles, magazines, various ammunition, cutlasses, other dangerous weapons, and charms.

The suspects were handed over to the Army’s 33 Battalion in Effurun for investigation.

Protesters claimed the suspects are now free, have been seen in Warri, and are threatening a new attack on Ogidigben and other Ugborodo communities allegedly from areas like Yokri and Ogulagha.

They also referenced a viral video purportedly showing one suspect issuing threats and alleged that community members have received death threats via phone calls. Some banners specifically called for the DSS to account for the suspects arrested with arms and ammunition.

Statements from Community Leaders
Elder Austine Ajurenmisan, Vice Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) and Public Relations Officer of Ogidigben Community, addressed journalists during the protest.

He stated that the released suspects had been seen on social media platforms threatening to attack Ogidigben again, including before the planned commissioning of electricity supply in the community.

“Some persons in the community have been receiving calls that they will be killed whenever they are seen by those who were arrested and released,” Ajurenmisan said.

According to him, “The attackers have been saying they will attack the community before the commissioning of the electricity supply installed, vowing that the commissioning cannot take place on their behalf.”

Mr. Iyonsi Jerry, Assistant National Youth Secretary of Ugborodo Federated Communities, and Mrs. Caroline Ekuajemi, Women Leader of Ugborodo Community Trust, also spoke, expressing support for the concerns and highlighting the fear gripping residents.

A statement from the Ugborodo Community National Youth Council, signed by Chairman Mr. Richard Arubi, detailed the April invasion and the community’s decision to hand over suspects peacefully as law-abiding citizens.

The protest comes amid recurring security challenges in the riverine, oil-producing area.

Protesters appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the DSS Director-General, the Chief of Army Staff, and the National Security Adviser to:

• Investigate the alleged release of the suspects

• Produce those arrested during the April operation

• Probe the viral threat video

• Strengthen security in Ogidigben and Ugborodo communities

Placards included messages such as “We are not safe in Ogidigben and Ugborodo,” “Hold DSS Responsible for Breakdown of Law and Order,” and calls for the suspects to be accounted for.

The community emphasized its leadership structure under the Eghare-Aja and Olaja-Orori and rejected external interference.

As of this report, there has been no immediate public response from the DSS, Nigerian Army, or Delta State Government regarding the allegations.

The Ugborodo indigenes maintain they remain traumatized and are living in fear of renewed violence.