Killings of 3 youths: Bereaved Families demand justice, protection

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The bereaved families of the three youths that was allegedly murdered by about 200 thugs suspected to be land grabbers have demanded for justice, compensation and protection against further attacks by the perpetrators.

It was gathered that the perpetrators stormed the residence of the affected families located at Km 1 Asaba – Benin expressway, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta State, and allegedly murdered the victims.

Investigation revealed that the victims have been reportedly buried.

Recall that the Delta State  Police Command, in a press release made available to newsmen, accused Jerry Nkeweshe from Onicha Olona, of leading thugs/cultists/land grabbers to commit the murder of the trio while 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries and hospitalized in different places.

In the release, the police command declared him wanted, Nkeweshe, with those that stormed the said compound that belongs to Kingsley Ijebuonwu, wanted to be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to would-be future offenders.

In a swift reaction, counsel to Jerry Nkeweshe, Kelechi Nnadi, denied the police claim, stating that as at the time of the invasion that Jerry Nkeweshe was not within the scene of the incident but traveled to Umunede for medical check-up.

Reacting, the chairman of Abraka Hausa Quarters Asaba, Alhaji Auwalu Dalhatu, flanked by Nasiru Dambaba and other leaders, demanded for justice, compensation and protection yesterday against future attack by land grabbers.

Lamenting the untimely death of the trio, another Hausa chieftain, Alhajiu Dalhatu listed the dead to include, Muhammed Multala (Unmarried), Kabiru Abdullahi (married), and Yahaya (married ), all in their early 20’s.

His words, ” I saw Jerry Nkeweshe inside one of the 15 vehicles that fateful Monday afternoon and his contract killers led by a man who introduced himself to us earlier, on Friday as ‘Fire Muller.’ 

“They Blocked the gate of the compound, blocked part of the expressway under the pedestrian bridge and started shooting with their pump action guns, causing traffic jam for about 2 hours but the ‘B’ Division police who promised to protect us locked their gate, even when some of us ran to the police station to seek refuge they refused us entry.

“Jerry Nkeweshe and his men planned to slaughter everyone of us as they numbered over 200 and to demolish the whole buildings here. They vandalized many shops carted away goods, provisions and cash belonging to my Hausa brothers and sisters.

“No single policeman came out to help us despite promising to protect us. We need back up, protection. Our lives are in danger because we don’t know the next step Jerry Nkeweshe and his Contract killers could take. They can come and frame another allegation against us.

“Arewa Community, State Director DSS,Awari Tukur Galadima, Muntari S.A. to Delta State Governor were with us at the Asaba cemetery for the burial,” he further disclosed.

According to Nasiru Dambaba, another Arewa Community leader who said he was present when Jerry Nkeweshe’s boys came calling on Friday,  “Fire Muller” introduced himself.

” I, Commander ‘Fire Muller’ have been paid by Jerry Nkeweshe to eject you tenants between Friday and Monday. If I come back on Monday and see any single person here I will shoot the person dead”.

“Hearing this threat we called for emergency meeting with the help of the Head of Hausa Community Abraka Quarters Asaba, Alhaji Auwalu Dalhatu. 

“We reported officially to Commissioner of Police Delta State, Area Command and the DPO Division ‘B’ police station. The DPO said he would send two patrol vehicles by 6am Monday but police never showed up.

“Danjuma, and Abdullahi, are brothers of those murdered by Jerry Nkeweshe’s death contractors,” he added.

The Caretaker of the KM 1 Asaba -Benin Expressway property, CEO Willval Agency Ltd, Wilfred Egwuonwu, in his contribution said that, “This was not the first time land grabbers from Delta State have been invading the land to take over the property, some years back the hotel building in that property was demolished by land grabbers. 

He said that the property rightfully belongs to Mr Kingsley Ijebuonwu who inherited the place from his own late father with all documents intact.