At least four persons were feared dead and five others sustained gunshot injuries following a violent confrontation on Monday at Kilometre 1, Asaba–Benin Expressway, reportedly over a land ownership dispute.
Dalha Muhammad, caretaker of the affected property, said the incident began around 12 noon when a group he described as armed vigilante operatives arrived at the compound in multiple vehicles, attempting to evict the tenants.
“The group opened fire when the tenants refused to vacate the premises,” Muhammad alleged,” he said.
He added that four tenants died instantly, while the injured were rushed to St. Rebecca Hospital, Asaba, for treatment.
Chairman of Abraka Quarters, Alhaji Auwalu Dalhatu, confirmed that security operatives had previously visited the premises on November 21, instructing occupants to leave.
“The tenants relied on an existing court judgment, which they said affirmed Mr. Kingsley Ijebuonwu as their landlord,” he said.
Dalhatu also noted that the tenants had reported earlier threats to the B Division Police Station, where they were assured of protection.
Witnesses claimed that despite contacting the police during Monday’s attack, officers arrived only after the assailants had fled.
The tenants identified two of the deceased as Kabiru Abdullahi and one Mohammed, while two of the injured were named Baba Ado and Muzan.
Mr. Ijebuonwu, the landlord, told reporters that the land belonged to his late father and had been the subject of ongoing legal disputes.
“Court judgments had previously affirmed his family’s ownership,” he said, adding that rival claimants had presented documents he believes are not genuine, an allegation yet to be verified.
Counsel to the landlord, Barr. Charles Obodozie, condemned the incident, stating, “The matter was still before the courts.” He further said that while his client had secured favourable judgments, additional legal issues remained pending.
Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the command was aware of injuries from “a process related to executing a court order.”
He added that he had not yet received confirmation of any deaths but said an investigation had been launched.
