A violent confrontation over land ownership has resulted in four fatalities and five injuries in Asaba, specifically along the Kilometre 1 stretch of the Asaba–Benin Expressway. The incident occurred around noon on Monday when armed individuals, identified as vigilante operatives, attempted to evict tenants from a property, leading to a shootout.
The caretaker of the property, Dalha Muhammad, reported that the situation escalated when the armed group opened fire after the tenants refused to leave the premises. Those injured have been transported to St. Rebecca Hospital in Asaba for treatment.
Witnesses confirmed that some security personnel had previously visited the site, directing the tenants to vacate based on a court ruling that recognized Mr. Kingsley Ijebuonwu as the landlord. However, tenants claimed they were under the protection of an existing court judgment affirming their rights to the property.
Despite notifying the police about the brewing conflict, witnesses alleged that law enforcement arrived only after the armed individuals had retreated.
Mr. Ijebuonwu stated that the land dispute stems from his late father’s estate and has involved ongoing legal battles. He accused rival claimants of presenting dubious documentation regarding property ownership.
Legal counsel representing Ijebuonwu, Barr. Charles Obodozie, condemned the violent events and reiterated that the matter remains before the courts.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed awareness of the situation, describing the conflict as linked to a court order execution. He mentioned that investigations are underway, although he had not yet verified any deaths related to the incident.
