Operatives of the Ovwian Police Division in Delta State have arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal killing and beheading of a poultry farm guard in the Udu Local Government Area. The victim, identified as Omadide Uruemu Peter, was reportedly beheaded a few days ago, and his headless body was discovered dumped in the Erhiephihor community.
The gruesome murder has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing outrage and demanding justice for the deceased. The victim, a father of one in his 30s, was allegedly killed for “praying too much at midnight,” according to sources familiar with the incident.
Recovery of the Severed Head
In a chilling development, fishermen on a fishing expedition reportedly recovered the severed head of the deceased from the Erhiephihor community river. This discovery has added a macabre twist to the already horrifying crime, further highlighting the brutality of the act.
The arrest of the three suspects followed a joint effort by the police and local vigilantes. The suspects, whose identities have not been fully disclosed, are currently in police custody and are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the murder.
Community Tensions and Conflicting Accounts
The incident has sparked tensions between neighboring communities, with conflicting accounts emerging about the location of the crime. While some sources claim the victim was killed in Ovwodokpokpor, others insist the murder occurred in Erhiephihor.
Daniel Omohovwighren, Secretary General of the Erhiephihor community, clarified that the victim was killed in Ovwodokpokpor, but his body was dumped in Erhiephihor. “The incident did not occur at Erhiephihor but in Ovwodokpokpor. After he was killed, the corpse was dumped in our community (Erhiephihor),” Omohovwighren stated.
He also confirmed the arrest of three suspects, noting that the President Generals of both communities collaborated with the police to ensure the suspects were apprehended. “The police took the corpse to the mortuary, and those arrested were detained at the Ovwian Police Station. But as of Thursday, the President Generals of both communities and the police transferred the suspects to Asaba,” he added.
Omohovwighren further revealed that the deceased’s head was recovered from the Ovwodokpokpor river, not the Erhiephihor river, as previously reported. He identified the suspects as individuals from Ovwodokpokpor, including one named Mathew, an Ijaw man, and a Yoruba man.
Police Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, initially claimed ignorance of the matter but later confirmed the incident. “The incident was confirmed,” Edafe stated, indicating that the police are actively investigating the case.
The arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the victim’s head mark significant progress in the investigation. However, the motive behind the killing remains unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting that the victim’s religious practices may have played a role.
Community Reactions and Calls for Justice
The brutal murder has left the community in shock, with residents calling for swift justice for the deceased. Many have expressed concern over the rising cases of violence in the area and have urged the police to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
Local leaders have also called for calm, urging community members to avoid taking the law into their own hands. They have emphasized the importance of allowing the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A Tragic Loss
Omadide Uruemu Peter’s death is a tragic loss for his family and the community. Described as a hardworking and dedicated farm guard, Peter was known for his commitment to his job and his family. His untimely and brutal murder has left his loved ones devastated and seeking answers.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that such acts of violence will be prevented in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved security measures and community vigilance to protect lives and property.
Conclusion
The arrest of three suspects in connection with the beheading of Omadide Uruemu Peter is a significant step toward unraveling the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. As the police continue their investigation, the community is united in its demand for justice and its commitment to ensuring that such a heinous crime does not go unpunished.
The incident underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities in addressing crime and maintaining peace. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to curb violence and protect vulnerable individuals.
As the case unfolds, the thoughts and prayers of the community are with the family of the deceased, who are grappling with the loss of a loved one in such a horrific manner. The hope is that justice will prevail, bringing closure to the family and serving as a deterrent to others who might contemplate such acts of violence.
