Four Feared Dead as Vigilante Clash Sparks Violence in Elume Community

By Endurance Ikanone

Elume community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into tension on Monday following allegations that a vigilante operative, identified as Ukeredi Prosper, shot and killed a young man, an incident that reportedly triggered further violence, leaving three additional persons dead.

The initial incident was said to have occurred at MC Dee Hotel in Elume, where Prosper works as a security guard.

According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, the confrontation began late on Sunday night after the hotel’s generator reportedly went off, leaving guests in discomfort. Kelvin, popularly known as OBO, stepped out of his room to get fresh air while his girlfriend remained inside.

Prosper, who was on duty, allegedly approached Kelvin and instructed him to return to his room because staff were preparing to lock the entrance into the main hotel building. Kelvin was said to have refused, insisting that he wanted to remain outside due to the heat inside the room.

What began as a verbal disagreement escalated into a physical encounter. During the confrontation, Prosper allegedly used a substance suspected to be teargas before shooting Kelvin.

He was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead on the morning of December 1, 2025.

News of Kelvin’s death spread rapidly, provoking anger among youths in Elume who immediately began searching for Prosper.

In a bid to manage the rising tension, Prosper reportedly contacted another vigilante leader known as “Champion,” who operates within the Tropical/Amukpe area, to intervene.

However, the situation worsened upon Champion’s arrival. Community sources reported that a violent clash erupted between Champion’s vigilante group and Elume youths. In the chaos, Champion allegedly fired shots that resulted in the death of three persons, two young men and one young woman.

In response to the deaths, youths in Elume reportedly set MC Dee Hotel ablaze, blaming the establishment for the chain of events that led to the fatalities. The building was said to have been completely razed as tensions escalated.

Security operatives, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, were later deployed to the community. Their presence has reportedly restored relative calm, although residents say tension remains high as many fear the possibility of further unrest.

Both Prosper and Champion are said to be at large as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain official comments from the Delta State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls placed to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, were not answered.

Community leaders are calling for a full investigation and urging residents to remain calm as authorities work to uncover the facts and ensure justice is served.