There were emotional scenes at the public cemetery in Asaba, Delta State, as the bodies of three tenants killed during a violent land dispute in Okwe were laid to rest.
The victims — Mohammed Murtsla from Bauchi State, Kabiru Abdullahi, and Yahaya — were buried shortly after Islamic prayers. The solemn ceremony was attended by officials of the Delta State Government and security agencies, including operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The three men were shot dead on Monday when gunmen dressed in vigilante uniforms reportedly stormed a large compound at Kilometre 1, Asaba–Benin Expressway, Okwe, and opened fire on tenants, most of whom were northerners. Seven others sustained gunshot and machete injuries during the attack, which residents say lasted for more than two hours.
Community Leader: Attackers Issued Warning Days Earlier
Chairman of Abraka Quarters, Auwalu Dalhatu, who took journalists around the compound after the burial, said the gunmen had earlier invaded the premises on Friday, November 21. They allegedly gave tenants an ultimatum to vacate by Monday, November 24, threatening severe consequences if they failed to comply.
According to him, the group claimed to have been hired by a certain Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, who is laying claim to the property, even though a court-certified document indicates that ownership belongs to Mr. Kingsley Ijebuonwu.
Auwalu said he promptly reported the threat to the ‘B’ Division Police Station in Asaba, where officers assured him of protection and instructed tenants to call immediately if the attackers returned.
“But when the gunmen came back on Monday and we called, the police never showed up,” he said.
He insisted that he saw Nkeweshe at the scene in company of a commander known as “Fire Muller,” who allegedly instructed the gunmen to shoot.
Auwalu appealed to the state government and security agencies to protect the surviving tenants and ensure justice and compensation for the families of the deceased.
Estate Manager Urges Tenants to Remain Calm
Chief Wilfred Egwuonwu, CEO of Willwal Agency Limited and estate manager to the property owner, Mr. Ijebuonwu, called for calm as security agencies continue their investigation.
He noted that Nkeweshe had repeatedly made attempts to forcefully assert ownership of the property.
Police Declare Nkeweshe Wanted
The Delta State Police Command has declared Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, wanted in connection with the killings.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development, stating that investigations were ongoing and suspects linked to the incident were being trailed.
Nkeweshe Denies Allegation, Issues 14-Day Ultimatum
Through his lawyer, Kelechi Nnadi, Nkeweshe denied involvement in the attack, describing the police statement as false and damaging.
According to Nnadi, Nkeweshe was not in Asaba or anywhere near Okwe at the time of the shooting.
“On the morning of November 24, 2025, Chief Nkeweshe departed Asaba at about 8:30 a.m. for medical care in Umunede, where he stayed throughout the day in the presence of witnesses,” he said.
The lawyer added that Nkeweshe only returned in the evening to prepare for a court matter scheduled for the next day.
Nnadi accused the police of including incorrect details in their statement and claimed it was part of a long-standing pattern of harassment. He noted that previous allegations against his client were dismissed.
He issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer to withdraw the statement and publicly clear Nkeweshe of any wrongdoing, threatening legal action for defamation and abuse of office if they fail to comply.
Nnadi urged investigators to rely on objective evidence, including location data, and conduct a transparent inquiry. He also asked journalists to verify sensitive information before publishing.
He stressed that the disputed land ownership issue is already before a competent court and should not be connected to the tragic killings in Okwe.
