Violence Erupts in Ughelli North Market as Vigilante Arrest Sparks Clash
By Lucky Uto
OTOR-OGOR: Tension gripped the Otor-Ogor community, headquarters of the Ogor Kingdom, following a violent clash between local vigilante groups and suspected hoodlums at the Ogor-Ughelli Modern Market.
The incident, which left several people and security agents injured and property destroyed, reportedly began as an operation to arrest a suspected receiver of stolen motorcycles.
Speaking on the development, President General of Otor-Ogor Community, Emmanuel Tobi Ediri, described the situation as “disturbing and terrifying,” noting that cases of motorcycle theft have become rampant in the area.
According to him, the latest incident was triggered after a stolen motorcycle was traced to a known scrap dealer popularly called *Gaddafi*, who allegedly specializes in buying stolen items.
“Our findings over time show that most of these stolen motorcycles end up with certain scavengers and scrap dealers. This particular individual has been invited for questioning before and warned, but the practice continued,” Ediri said.
He explained that local vigilante groups, including the Otor-Ogor Vigilante, Central Ogor Vigilante, and Bakassi security outfit, tracked and apprehended the suspected thief. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to selling the motorcycle to the said dealer at the modern market.
Following the confession, the vigilante team moved to arrest the alleged buyer and hand him over to the police, who had already been notified of the operation.
However, the situation quickly escalated.
Eyewitness accounts and community sources revealed that a large crowd—estimated to be over 2,000 people—emerged from the market area, armed with dangerous weapons including cutlasses, swords, and locally made firearms. The crowd reportedly attacked the vigilante operatives, vandalized their vehicles, and inflicted serious injuries on some members.
The clash created chaos in the market, forcing security operatives to retreat.
Ediri disclosed that when he later arrived at the scene with additional support, his team also came under attack.
“It took the intervention of the police, particularly Operation Sweep, to rescue the situation. They arrived with multiple patrol vehicles and managed to restore a level of control,” he said.
A security source at the Area Command confirmed the incident and advised local vigilante groups to always inform and coordinate with the police before carrying out such operations to prevent escalation
An elder representing the Hausa community in the market, who witnessed the incident, offered a different perspective on how the violence began.
According to him, tensions escalated after the arrested suspect was allegedly assaulted by vigilante members.
“They brought the boy out and started beating him. That was what caused the problem. People became angry and resisted. The situation quickly turned chaotic,” the elder said.
He added that even he was not spared during the unrest.
“I tried to intervene and calm the situation, but the crowd became uncontrollable. I was chased and nearly beaten. Even my office was attacked, and the glass was broken,” he recounted.
Community leaders say the market, once dominated by legitimate traders, has increasingly become a haven for criminal elements.
Ediri noted that while the market initially thrived due to the contributions of genuine traders, the influx of hoodlums has turned it into a center for illegal activities.
“These individuals have made the environment ungovernable. Many of them are linked to crimes such as theft, kidnapping, and other unlawful acts,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody at the Area Command, while investigations continue to track down other fleeing suspects.
In response to the crisis, the Otor-Ogor leadership says it will take decisive steps to restore order.
Plans are underway to formally petition the state government, engage the Commissioner of Police, and work with the local government authorities to sanitize the market.
The community also intends to collaborate with leaders of non-indigenous groups, including the Hausa community, to enforce stricter identification measures.
“Anyone operating in the market must be properly identified. We will no longer tolerate criminality in any form,” Ediri stated.
Despite the tension, community leaders have urged residents and traders to remain calm, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to restore peace and ensure the safety of lives and property.
“We are working closely with the government and security agencies to bring lasting peace. The market will be made safe again for legitimate business,” Ediri assured.
