There was grief, wailing, and intense tension at the Asaba Public Cemetery in Delta State as the bodies of three tenants killed during a violent land dispute in Okwe were laid to rest.
The victims — Mohammed Murtsla (Bauchi State), Kabiru Abdullahi, and Yahaya — were buried shortly after Islamic prayers. The ceremony was attended by Delta State Government officials and operatives of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).
The three men were shot dead on Monday after gunmen dressed in vigilante uniforms allegedly stormed a large residential compound at Kilometre 1, Asaba–Benin Expressway, Okwe, opening fire on tenants, most of whom were northerners. Seven others sustained gunshot and machete wounds during the two-hour attack.
Threat Issued Before the Attack — Community Leader
Chairman of Abraka Quarters, Auwalu Dalhatu, who conducted journalists around the compound after the burial, said the attackers had first invaded the premises on Friday, November 21, ordering tenants to vacate by Monday, November 24, or face severe consequences.
According to him, the gang claimed they were hired by Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, who is laying claim to the property despite a court-certified document identifying Mr. Kingsley Ijebuonwu as the rightful owner.
Auwalu said he reported the initial threat to the ‘B’ Division Police Station in Asaba, where officers assured him of protection and instructed tenants to call if the invaders returned.
“But when the gunmen came back on Monday and we called, the police never showed up,” he said.
He claimed he saw Nkeweshe at the scene, accompanied by a man he identified as “Fire Muller,” who allegedly commanded the shooters to open fire.
Auwalu urged the state government and security agencies to protect surviving tenants and ensure justice and compensation for the families of the deceased.
Estate Manager Calls for Calm
Chief Wilfred Egwuonwu, CEO of Willwal Agency Limited and estate manager to the documented property owner, said Nkeweshe had repeatedly launched violent attempts to assert ownership of the land. He urged tenants to remain calm while investigations continue.
Police Declare Chief Nkeweshe Wanted
The Delta State Police Command has declared Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, wanted over the killings.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development, stating that investigations are ongoing and suspects connected to the deadly attack are being tracked.
Nkeweshe Denies Involvement, Issues 14-Day Ultimatum
Through his lawyer, Kelechi Nnadi, Nkeweshe denied involvement in the killings and described the police statement as “inaccurate and damaging.”
According to Nnadi, Nkeweshe was nowhere near Okwe at the time of the attack.
“On the morning of November 24, 2025, Chief Nkeweshe departed Asaba at about 8:30 a.m. for medical attention in Umunede, where he remained throughout the day with witnesses,” the lawyer said.
He added that Nkeweshe returned later in the evening to prepare for a scheduled court appearance the following day.
Nnadi accused the police of issuing statements containing inaccuracies, alleging a pattern of harassment against his client. He issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding a retraction and public apology from the Commissioner of Police and the PPRO.
Failure to comply, he warned, would result in legal action for defamation, malicious falsehood, and abuse of office.
The lawyer also urged investigators to obtain objective evidence, including location data, and appealed to journalists to verify sensitive information before publication. He stressed that the disputed land case is already before a competent court and should not be linked to the killings in Okwe.
