Abraka Hausa Community Demands ₦3bn Compensation, Alleges Coordinated Assault by Land Grabbers in Asaba
Tension has continued to rise in Asaba following the burial of three young men allegedly killed during a violent land-grabbing attack at the Abraka Hausa Quarters. The victims—Muhammed Multala, Kabiru Abdullahi, and Yahaya, all in their early twenties—were laid to rest on Tuesday at the Asaba Cemetery.
At the graveside, leaders of the Abraka Hausa community demanded ₦3 billion compensation from the Delta State Government, insisting that justice must be served for the slain youths.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman Alhaji Auwalu Dalhatu, supported by other leaders including Nasiru Dambaba, described the attack as a “coordinated assault” allegedly carried out by land grabbers. Dalhatu accused one Jerry Nkeweshe and a gang of armed men of orchestrating the invasion.
According to him, “They came to kill all of us. I saw Jerry Nkeweshe inside one of the cars that dreadful Monday afternoon. His contract killers, led by a man who introduced himself earlier as Fire Muller, blocked our gate and part of the expressway under the pedestrian bridge. They started shooting with pump-action guns, causing a traffic jam for over two hours.”
Dalhatu alleged that despite alerting the police days earlier and receiving assurances of protection, officers at B Division Police Station “locked their gate” when residents attempted to flee into the station during the assault. He claimed several shops were vandalized and goods stolen, leaving already vulnerable families in deeper hardship.
“We lost three promising young men. Even ₦1 billion per family cannot replace a human life,” he said. “Mohammed was the only child of his parents—the breadwinner of a poor family in Bauchi. How will they survive in this harsh economy?”
He added that many injured victims remain in critical condition at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Rebecca Hospital, and the General Hospital, while others have been taken home due to financial constraints.
Another community leader, Nasiru Dambaba, backed Dalhatu’s claims, stating that the suspected gang leader identified as “Commander Fire Muller” had openly threatened the residents days before the attack.
“He told us he had been paid to eject us between Friday and Monday and would shoot anyone found on the premises. We reported the threat to the Commissioner of Police, Area Command, and the DPO. The DPO promised to send two patrol vans by 6 a.m. Monday. They never came,” Dambaba lamented.
He further alleged that during the attack, police officers refused to let victims into the division for protection.
Caretaker of the embattled property, Chief Wilfred Egwuonwu, CEO of Willval Agency Ltd, stated that this was not the first attempt by land grabbers to forcefully take over the land. He maintained that rightful ownership belongs to Mr. Kingsley Ijebuonwu, supported by valid documents inherited from his father.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has launched a manhunt for Jerry Nkeweshe and others allegedly linked to the attack. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed that investigations were ongoing.
However, Nkeweshe’s lawyer, Nnadi, denied the allegations, stating that his client was not near the scene of the incident. According to him, Nkeweshe was in Umunede throughout the day receiving medical attention and had witnesses to confirm his whereabouts.
As the community mourns its dead and treats its wounded, residents continue to call on the Delta State Government and security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence.
Abraka Hausa Community Demands ₦3bn Compensation, Alleges Coordinated Assault by Land Grabbers in Asaba