Bloodbath in Asaba as Gunmen Kill Three; Police Launch Manhunt for Delta Chief, Others

An orgy of violence on Monday encased Okwe community along the Asaba–Onitsha Road in Delta State as one Chief Jerry Nkeeshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, and a group of vigilantes and suspected cult members, were said to have engaged in a shooting spree over a parcel of land, killing three youths.

The gunmen allegedly led by the said Chief were said to have disguised in Army camouflage to a parcel of land at Okwe community along the Asaba–Onitsha Road in a deliberate attempt to lay claim to the property.

In an ensuing resistance from residents and inhabitants, they reportedly shot dead three youths and injured many others.

Giving details of the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Tuesday, said that the Delta State Police Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda, has activated a full-scale manhunt for the said Chief Jerry Nkeeshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, and all members of the armed group allegedly “responsible for the deadly attack that claimed the lives of three innocent youths on 24th November 2025 near ‘B’ Division, Asaba”.

He said that preliminary investigations revealed that the said chief allegedly led a group of vigilantes and suspected cult members, some brazenly disguised in Army camouflage, to a parcel of land at Okwe community along the Asaba–Onitsha Road in a deliberate attempt to lay claim to the property.

According to him, the he group reportedly proceeded to enforce an unauthorised quit notice, without a court order.

He said that the said “illegal operation encountered resistance”, resulting in a violent confrontation.

Edafe disclosed that the armed group allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, causing severe gunshot injuries to three youths, who were later confirmed dead while receiving treatment at the hospital.

“In response to the criminal attack, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence operatives, and specialised investigators to track, identify, and arrest all individuals involved.

The CP condemned the act as an unprovoked, reckless, and brazen display of lawlessness that will not be tolerated under any guise.

He calls on residents of Onicha-Olona, Asaba, and neighbouring communities to support the ongoing manhunt. He emphasises that the Command will not relent until every perpetrator of the violence, irrespective of title, influence, or backing, is apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

The CP further reassures the public that normalcy has been restored in the area. He adds that sustained surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated search operations are in progress to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

The Delta State Police Command remains steadfast in protecting the lives and property of all residents. Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings, suspicious movements, or credible information about the suspects through the Command’s dedicated emergency lines: 08036684974”, the statement added.