Okpanam, Delta State – Tragedy struck in Okpanam community, located in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as suspected Fulani herdsmen reportedly killed a member of the local vigilante group while he was attempting to rescue a kidnap victim.
This heartbreaking incident was made public by Hon. Lucky Anthony Okolo, the Youth President of Okpanam community, through a video he shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday.
In the post accompanying the video, Hon. Okolo wrote:
“A man of Okpanam community vigilante was killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in his attempt to rescue a kidnap victim. He was killed on his way trying to rescue an innocent soul yet some disgruntled elements are busy saying Delta State is safe. Delta is safe my foot.”
The video showed a young man wrapped in leaves, being carried into a police van, reportedly on his way to the mortuary. His identity was not immediately disclosed at the time of this report.
In the same video, Hon. Okolo could be heard speaking emotionally in Pidgin English:
“Person pikin, just imagine. Person pikin, make I hear say Delta State is safe. Person pikin.”
The incident has stirred outrage among residents, with many calling for swift government action and questioning the safety of lives and property in Delta State.
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, for a comment on the incident were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report. Multiple calls and WhatsApp messages sent to his phone were not responded to.
The Okpanam community, like many others in the region, has increasingly relied on local vigilante groups for protection due to the rising threat of kidnapping and violent attacks. Community members are now demanding urgent intervention and justice for the slain vigilante.
As tension grows, citizens are urging state authorities and security agencies to strengthen local security networks and ensure those behind the attack are brought to justice.
