Violence has erupted in Onicha Olona, an agrarian community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, following the alleged assault and killing of a 64-year-old community town crier, Mr May Anwuzia, by an alleged landgrabber, Jerry Nkeweshe.
It was learnt that palpable tension and violence had gripped Ishiekpe Quarters Onicha Olona for quite some time following a land dispute between Jerry and the entire community. Residents alleged that Jerry, aka Babies, is a known ally and political hatchet man to former Deputy Senate President, Senator Omo Agege.
An elder in Ishiekpe Quarters alleged that Jerry had forged a power of Attorney which he and his cronies had been using to forcefully sell the community’s lands without recourse to members of the community.
He added that the community had petitioned the AIG zone 5 on Nkeweshe’s alleged nefarious activities of the land grabber.
It was gathered that the incident that led to the death of the town crier, occurred on Tuesday last week, when Anwuzia (deceased) was asked to announce a meeting summoning members of the community for an important discussion.
It was further alleged by residents of the community that on getting home after the public announcement, a group of thugs led by Jerry Nkeweshe, allegedly invaded the town crier’s (Anwuzia) house, While questioning his authority and permit to make the announcement, allegedly attacked him, dragged and beat him to a stupor.
According to eyewitnesses, “They also made away with the gong he uses to make the announcement and even went to deposit it at Zone 5 police station Benin claiming that the said Anwuzia was calling on the people to come out and protest against him.
“Unfortunately, the town crier suffered severe fractures and body injuries, which he sustained from the assault and was taking medication at the general hospital Onicha Olona before he eventually passed on yesterday, 12th of Oct 2024.”
Meanwhile, following the death of the town crier, violence has erupted in the community with reprisal attacks.
Already, a number of houses and motorcycles have been burnt.
Members of the community have been calling on the Governor of Delta State and the Commissioner of Police to quickly step in before it turns into a full-blown crisis.
Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, confirmed that three prime suspects have been arrested and are in the custody of the police.
“Yes, on this matter, we have arrested three prime suspects but one of the members of the community died in the process of fighting for Justice. But the Police is on top of the matter,” he said.
