NYCN Chairman Kingsley Abebe Condemns Elume Killings, Demands Justice and Professionalism Among Vigilantes

By Endurance Ikanone

The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sapele Local Government Area Chapter, Comrade Kingsley Abebe, has strongly condemned the violent clash in Elume community that claimed the lives of three persons. He described the development as “deeply troubling, painful, and completely avoidable.”

Abebe called on the Nigeria Police Force to launch a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that all individuals responsible for the tragic incident are brought to justice without delay.

He also expressed concern over recurring complaints of unprofessional conduct by some vigilante operatives in Sapele Local Government Area, noting that the situation demands urgent reforms.

“The deaths recorded in Elume are painful and unacceptable,” he said. “There have been too many reports of unprofessional behaviour by vigilantes in this LGA. These groups must undergo proper training so they can operate responsibly, respect human rights, and act strictly within the boundaries of the law.”

His remarks come as tension continues to linger in Elume following a violent sequence of events that began late Sunday at MC Dee Hotel.

The crisis reportedly started when a vigilante operative, identified as Ukeredi Prosper, who also works as a security guard at the hotel allegedly shot a young man, Kelvin (popularly known as OBO), during a disagreement.

According to eyewitnesses, the hotel’s generator went off, leaving guests uncomfortable. Kelvin reportedly stepped outside to get fresh air, but Prosper allegedly ordered him back into his room because the hotel staff intended to lock the main building.

Witnesses said Kelvin declined, prompting an argument that soon escalated into a physical confrontation.

During the scuffle, Prosper allegedly deployed a substance suspected to be teargas and subsequently shot Kelvin. The victim was rushed to a hospital, where he died on Monday, December 1, 2025.

News of Kelvin’s death quickly spread across the community, fuelling anger among youths who immediately began searching for Prosper.

In an attempt to manage the rising tension, Prosper reportedly contacted another vigilante leader known as Champion, who operates within the Tropical/Amukpe axis.

However, Champion’s arrival further aggravated the situation. A violent confrontation erupted between his group and the aggrieved youths.

Community sources confirmed that three persons two young men and a young woman were shot dead during the clash.

In retaliation, angry youths allegedly set part of MC Dee Hotel ablaze.

Security operatives from the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army later intervened to restore order, though residents say tension remains high in the area.

Both Prosper and Champion were said to have fled the community as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Command for official comments were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, community leaders have appealed for calm, urging the youths to allow security agencies to conduct a full and unbiased investigation to uncover the true circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.