By Admin
The people of Edjekota Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained members of their community who were arrested during the violent events that transpired on April 7.
This was made known during a press briefing at Edjekota Townhall on April 13, 2025, by Pastor Oghenemakpor Uyo, Chairman of Edjekota-Ogor Community.
He stated, “On that day, which we described as ‘A BLACK MONDAY,’ a tragic turning point marked the Edjekota community, as members fell victim to unlawful arrests, brutality, and alleged senseless killings carried out by police officers under the Ughelli Area Command, with the complicity of certain individuals from Ewu community.”
Pastor Uyo recounted the harrowing incidents that unfolded when several community members engaged in clearing their farmlands were arrested without provocation.
He emphasized the total lack of proper procedure, noting that no formal invitation was extended for their appearance at the Ughelli Area Command. Instead, police officers acted on instructions allegedly originating from a family in Ewu town.
The sudden and unprovoked arrests raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the police’s actions and their disregard for community leadership.
Following the arrests, news spread rapidly, prompting the youths of Edjekota to stage a peaceful protest. However, their demonstration was met with violence.
Pastor Uyo revealed that a group of police officers and vigilantes confronted the protesters with excessive force.
Tragically, the confrontation resulted in the deaths of two innocent men: Mr. Amakashi Martins from Edjekota and Mr. Victor Akpojarho from Ewu.
Uyo described them as upstanding citizens unworthy of such brutality. To date, no accountability has been established for the police officers or vigilantes involved.
Pastor Uyo condemned this lack of response as an outright violation of human rights and a direct assault on the dignity of the Edjekota community.
He further criticized the Ughelli Area Command for attempting to misrepresent the facts, asserting that there is no ongoing crisis between Edjekota and Ewu communities, but rather a land dispute currently being addressed through legal channels.
The Edjekota community is demanding answers to several critical questions regarding the actions of the police on that day.
Pastor Uyo called for an investigation into who authorized the unlawful arrests and who ordered the police to open fire on peaceful protesters, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
He emphasized that these actions contradict directives issued by the Inspector General of Police, which prohibit police involvement in land disputes.
The community also reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained members, denouncing attempts to criminalize their peaceful protest.
Pastor Uyo urged the Inspector General of Police to take charge of the investigation and emphasized the need for accountability among the officers involved.
He posited that the Edjekota community will not rest until justice is served.
He stated that this fight transcends the immediate incident, standing for the dignity, rights, and peace of the entire community.
He called upon the Delta State Government to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the actions of the police and vigilantes involved in this tragic event and to ensure justice for the affected families.
The Edjekota community remains resolute in their demand for justice and accountability, calling on all supportive voices to stand with them in their pursuit of a fair and just resolution.
