A Call for Justice: The Vigilante Assault in Ubeji Community on Comr. Oritsema O. Ejoh

The Nigeria Police Force, Shehu Shangri Way Abuja, Force Headquarters Garki.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun

On the evening of October 30, 2024, between 7:45 and 8 PM, I, Oritsema O. Ejoh, was returning home from a church program on a motorcycle when we were stopped by members of the Vigilante group in Ubeji Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Along with about ten other motorcycles, we were halted not for a stop-and-search operation but rather for the routine collection of money—a common practice in this once peaceful community.

As I boarded the motorcycle at the express junction where I was picked up, I was charged a fee of 500 naira. Upon reaching the entrance of Ubeji Community—where vigilantes are typically stationed between 7 PM and 10 PM—we were confronted by one member demanding payment before allowing us to pass. This extortion had become an everyday occurrence for those using motorcycles as transportation.

I intervened and advised the motorcycle rider against paying any money since it was unlawful for them to demand it forcefully from civilians. The vigilante insisted that if he didn’t pay the usual fee of 200 naira, we would not be allowed to proceed. In response to their misconduct—something I’ve witnessed multiple times—I decided to call CSP Olubayo Ajao (DPO A’ Division Warri) to report this ongoing issue.

While discussing our situation with the vigilante group members, five others approached us after collecting money from other riders and letting them pass through. Because I stood my ground against their demands, they refused to let us go. At that moment, I called DPO Ajao to explain what was happening; this wasn’t my first complaint regarding their behavior—about four months prior, similar issues had led me to seek intervention from him.

During my call with DPO Ajao about our current predicament on October 30th, they began accusing me of reporting them and declared they would not allow me or anyone else through without payment. They threatened that if they didn’t collect their fee, the motorcycle rider wouldn’t take me home and warned that even if I contacted higher authorities like the Police CP in Delta State nothing would change.

Feeling threatened and cornered by these individuals who claimed authority over us without justification led me to dismount from the motorcycle and continue calling DPO Ajao while trying to explain our dire situation. Suddenly two vigilantes attempted to snatch my phone while others assaulted me from all sides; my shirt was torn during this struggle as they tried forcibly taking me away under false pretenses.

In an act of desperation amidst being overwhelmed by several attackers—one even sprayed tear gas directly into my face—I lost control over my senses while fighting for my life against these men who sought revenge simply because I dared report them previously. It was then that fate intervened; unbeknownst to me at that moment, my elder brother Mr. Emiko Ejoh happened upon this scene while returning home on his own motorcycle.

Hearing his voice calling out—that he recognized me as his younger brother—they continued kicking and mashing me into the ground despite his pleas for mercy on my behalf as he witnessed their brutality firsthand.

After enduring multiple sprays of tear gas which left burning pain in both eyes and nose—a tactic used clearly meant as punishment—I managed somehow with newfound strength granted by familial support from Mr. Emiko Ejoh—to escape amidst chaos while shouting desperately for help along Ubeji Community road.

In flight toward safety through familiar streets filled with fear-induced adrenaline coursing through every vein within me—I stumbled across a roadside orange vendor’s stand whereupon seeing a small knife atop her display became an instinctive choice taken purely out self-defense against those who sought only harm towards innocent citizens like myself instead fulfilling their supposed duty professionally as protectors within society.

With knife now clutched tightly within hand—their cries echoed behind labeling “thief!” rang loudly throughout street corners urging others nearby into action capturing footage instead lending aid towards someone desperately needing refuge—it became clear no sanctuary awaited ahead when arriving at Chief Akoma’s compound seeking shelter only met refusal despite visible distress displayed upon arrival begging him open gates wide enough grant entry away danger looming ever closer behind chasing relentlessly onward threatening violence should escape fail entirely!

Eventually reaching safety amongst familiar faces gathered around nearby shops belonging friends & family alike recognizing plight endured during ordeal just moments prior—only later learning Mr.Emiko himself suffered greatly too having been attacked repeatedly attempting rescue efforts alongside myself eventually needing medical attention rushed hospital due injuries sustained throughout confrontation earlier experienced together!

Days passed until finally recovering enough strength regain composure post-hospitalization prompted legal advice pursue formal statement documenting events transpired leading up incident occurred involving vigilantes unjustly treating both brothers harshly without cause whatsoever!

Upon arriving police station in Ubeji Community to file my statement, I was met with skepticism and hostility. It was around 7 PM the following evening when I began recounting the harrowing events to the officer in charge, Supol Oyenmwen Ben. He informed me that he had summoned members of the Vigilante group for an interview regarding their actions.

During this meeting, three of the vigilantes were questioned about their conduct towards me. To my shock and disbelief, they claimed that I had approached them after passing by on a motorcycle and accused me of attempting to confront them by removing tires they had placed on the road. They further alleged that I brandished a knife at them first, which led to their response of beating me up and using tear gas against me.

Hearing these falsehoods made my blood boil; it felt like a twisted version of reality where victims are painted as aggressors. When it was my turn to explain what truly happened, I laid out every detail clearly—how we were stopped for money, how I stood up against their extortion, and how they resorted to violence when confronted with accountability.

To my utter dismay, after hearing both sides, Supol Oyenmwen Ben dismissed my account with a chilling remark: “Dead men don’t talk.” This statement left me feeling powerless as if justice was out of reach simply because those who wield power could manipulate narratives at will. Instead of receiving support or protection from law enforcement—who should have been allies—I was coerced into signing a bail bond as if I were the criminal in this situation.

The vigilantes’ actions went unchecked while they continued operating freely within our community despite having inflicted harm upon innocent citizens like myself and my brother. The emotional toll from this experience weighed heavily on us both; we felt betrayed not only by those who attacked us but also by those who were meant to uphold justice.

Thus, it is with great urgency that I appeal directly to you—Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun—to investigate this matter thoroughly. It is imperative that justice be served not just for myself but also for countless others who have suffered similar fates at the hands of vigilante groups across Warri Delta State.

I implore you to take decisive action against these individuals who abuse their positions under the guise of protecting our communities while perpetuating fear instead. We deserve safety without intimidation or extortion from those sworn to protect us!

Cc:
Commissioner of Police Delta State

Warri South Local Government Chairman

The Area Commander Warri Delta State
DPO A’ Division Warri Delta State