Sapele Community on Fire, Hotel Ablaze as Vigilante Kills Four in Ibada-Elume
Sapele, Delta State — The Ibada-Elume community in Sapele Local Government Area is reeling after a vigilante operative allegedly killed four people, injured many on Sunday midnight.
Ejes Gist News reports that the tragic incident has left families grieving, neighbors traumatized, and the community on edge.
Residents say the killings sparked outrage and despair, leading to a violent reprisal. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where a privately owned hotel was set ablaze, sending thick smoke into the air as panicked community members fled their homes.
One local woman, who identified herself as Mrs. Ifeoma Okoro, said:
“I saw people running in every direction. Smoke covered the streets, and we had to carry my elderly father away from the scene. It’s like the community has lost its soul.”
Another resident, Ekama, whose relative is among the deceased, expressed frustration:
“Four lives were taken in cold blood. We cannot stay silent. We demand justice. It is unbearable to see our friends and family killed and no one answers.”
As of the time of this report, police and other security agencies have been deployed to Ibada-Elume. Officials are working to stabilize the situation, prevent further violence, and assess damage caused by the hotel fire.
A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“Our priority is to prevent the unrest from spreading. We are also ensuring that residents can return safely to their homes.”
Beyond property damage, the incident has traumatized families and children in the community. Parents fear sending children to nearby schools, while elderly residents are struggling with anxiety after witnessing violent clashes.
Local youth, many of whom were involved in the reprisal attack, claim their actions were driven by anger and grief:
“We wanted to show that we will not tolerate injustice,” said one young man. “Our friends were killed, and nobody came to help. We had to act.”
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Residents’ Demands
Social media videos show youths articulating their demands to authorities, highlighting frustration with vigilante excesses and delayed justice. Residents are calling for:
- Immediate investigation into the alleged killings
- Accountability for the vigilante group involved
- Compensation for families and property owners affected by the reprisal
Vigilantes and Community Trust
Delta State has a history of vigilante activity, often intended to support law enforcement. However, the lack of formal oversight can result in tragedies like this.
Community members say that while vigilantes sometimes protect neighborhoods, incidents like Sunday’s killings erode trust and instill fear, especially when the official police response is perceived as slow or inadequate.
In 2021, reports emerged of vigilante groups clashing with local youths over control of community security, resulting in multiple injuries.
A community leader, Chief Benjamin Udu, stated:
“Vigilantes are meant to be a support system, not executioners. The loss of four young men has shaken the entire community. People are angry, and rightly so. Our children now live in fear.”
Call for Urgent Intervention
Residents and elders are appealing to local government authorities and security agencies to restore peace. They are asking for:
- Sustained security presence until calm is fully restored
- Thorough investigation into the alleged killings
- Dialogue between community members, vigilante groups, and law enforcement
- Support for families and victims of property damage
While authorities work to stabilize Ibada-Elume, the human impact of the incident is evident in the grief and fear of residents. Families are mourning lost loved ones, while children and the elderly struggle with trauma from witnessing violent reprisals.
Ejes Gist News gathered that residents hope for justice, accountability, and stronger community policing, emphasizing that restoring trust between security agencies and citizens is critical to preventing future unrest.
