Tension in Delta as Armed Gang Storms Ugborikoko Market; Victims Allege Official Cover-Up

 

 A violent attack by an armed gang at the Ugborikoko modern market construction site has left several workers and community members severely injured, amid growing allegations of a high-level cover-up by local authorities.

The Attack at the Site

On March 16 and March 18, 2026, a group of over ten armed individuals reportedly stormed the market project site along Airport Road. Armed with guns, machetes, and battle axes, the assailants targeted the site supervisor, Kabi Ogolor, and several relatives of former House of Assembly minority leader, Gibson Akporehe.

Witnesses describe a brutal scene where victims were pounced upon and sustained "grievous bodily harm." According to a legal petition filed by the victims’ solicitors, the attackers did not stop at physical assault; they allegedly robbed victims of high-value jewelry and cash, and in a second raid, held several individuals hostage at a youth secretariat.

Allegations of Interference

The situation has taken a political turn as locals and victims allege that the suspects are being shielded from justice. One community source claimed that a primary suspect, Kelvin Egere, was released from police custody within two hours of his arrest following a direct intervention by the Uvwie Council Chairman.

These claims have sparked rumors of a "deal" between local political leadership and security officials, though these allegations have not yet been independently verified by the authorities.

Legal Action and State Response

In a petition titled "Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, and Acts of Terrorism," the victims' lawyers have called on the Nigeria Police Force’s Effurun Area Command to take immediate action. The petition details harrowing accounts of torture, attempted rape, and theft, citing infractions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.

As of press time, efforts to reach the Effurun Area Commander and the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer for comment have been unsuccessful.

Key Takeaways for Information Hub Readers:

Incident Location: Modern Ugborikoko Market, Uvwie LGA, Delta State.

The Victims: Multiple site workers and members of the Akporehe family were hospitalized.

The Conflict: Allegations that local government officials are interfering with police investigations.

Current Status: A formal petition has been submitted to the Area Command; the suspects remain at large.