21/12/2025
Alleged Armed Invasion Throws Ogidigbẹn into Turmoil as Community Seeks Federal Intervention
Ogidigbẹn community in Ugborodo, Delta State, was on Saturday, 20 December 2025, gripped by fear following an alleged unprovoked invasion by armed men reportedly linked to prominent figures, Ayiri Emami and Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The operation was allegedly carried out through a proxy identified as Mr. Tunu Onuwaje. Residents said the attackers stormed the area, disrupting daily life and forcing many inhabitants to flee for safety.
Community leaders described the incident as part of a sustained campaign of intimidation aimed at breaking Ogidigbẹn’s long-standing resistance to external political and economic control. According to them, the community has remained firm in asserting its autonomy, a stance that has set it apart from neighbouring areas that have, in their words, “succumbed to pressure.”
Sources within the community claimed that Ogidigbẹn’s position has made it a target of what they described as a “capture and conquer” agenda, allegedly pursued through intimidation, propaganda, and violence. They insisted that there was no prior dispute or provocation that could justify the invasion, on that Ogidigben avoided to be a part of the recent protest at Chevron facility.
Attention has also focused on Chief (Capt.) John Okpeyo Daje, a key community leader widely credited with shielding Ogidigbẹn from external influence. Residents believe his absence at the time of the incident; he was reportedly in Warri attending a chieftaincy ceremony at the Palace of the Olu of Warri was deliberately exploited by those behind the attack.
Residents further alleged that during the invasion, armed men set fire to the residence of Chief (Capt.) John Okpeyo Daje, destroying his house and several vehicles. They also claimed that multiple other houses within Ogidigbẹn were burnt today 21st December, 2025. In addition, community members accused the attackers of committing sexual violence against some innocent girls during the operation. These allegations have heightened outrage and trauma within the community, with residents calling for urgent investigation and justice for the affected victims.
The incident was further complicated by the death of Mr. Emiko Onuwaje yesterday. Community accounts disputed claims circulating online that he was an indigene or resident of Ogidigbẹn, alleging instead that he was part of the group that entered the community during the invasion with fi****ms.
Eyewitnesses told community leaders that Mr. Onuwaje may have been fatally shot amid the confusion that followed sporadic gunfire, possibly by one of the invading group. They rejected suggestions that Ogidigbẹn youths were responsible, describing such allegations as misleading and unsubstantiated.
Residents stressed that the late Mr. Emiko Onuwaje was not an innocent bystander but was allegedly mobilised to intimidate locals. While expressing sympathy to his family, they called for accountability from those they say organised the operation that ultimately led to his death.
As of press time, community representatives claimed that armed elements were still being sighted around the seashore area, heightening fear among residents and preventing a return to normal activities. They warned that the situation could further deteriorate if urgent action is not taken.
Community sources also alleged that following a failed protest at Chevron, individuals loyal to Ayiri Emami and Chief Thomas Ereyitomi mobilised armed men to Ogidigbẹn, where clashes reportedly occurred. They claimed that during the unrest, one person was mistakenly killed amid the violence.
Subsequently, the Ogidigbẹn community issued an SOS to the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other security agencies, calling for immediate intervention and the restoration of peace.
They specifically demanded a thorough, transparent investigation into the incident, including the alleged role played by Mr. Tunu Onuwaje, insisting that Ogidigbẹn seeks no conflict but only the right to live without intimidation, destruction, or violence.
