The Delta State Police Command has declared a well-known community figure, Chief Jerry Nkeeshe, wanted for his alleged involvement in the deaths of three young men during a land dispute in Asaba, the state capital.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, announced this in a statement released in Asaba on Tuesday.
According to Edafe, the suspect is being sought in connection with the killing of three youths in Okwe community, a suburb of Asaba, on November 24, 2025.
He said the police have launched an intensive search for Nkeeshe, identified as the Owelle of Onicha-Olona Community, along with members of his armed group, who were linked to the fatal attack near the B Division area of the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.
Edafe explained that Nkeeshe allegedly led a team of vigilantes and suspected cultists, some wearing army-style camouflage, to a parcel of land in Okwe in an attempt to assert ownership of the property.
He noted that the group attempted to enforce an eviction order on the land without any legitimate court authorization.
During the confrontation that followed, the armed group reportedly opened fire, resulting in gunshot wounds to three youths.
The victims were taken to a nearby hospital but were later pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered the deployment of tactical units and intelligence personnel to locate and arrest all those involved in the incident.
The Commissioner strongly criticized the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of lawlessness, and urged residents of Onicha-Olona, Asaba, and nearby communities to assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects.
He emphasized that the Command is committed to ensuring every individual responsible—regardless of status or influence—is arrested and prosecuted.
Edafe added that calm has been restored in the area, with ongoing surveillance, intelligence-driven patrols, and coordinated search operations to maintain peace and security.
