Ikokotoru Leadership Demands Justice Over the Murder of Mr. Ebike Biripudigha
By EgbemaVoice,
The leadership of the Ikokotoru Federated Communities has condemned the brutal murder of Mr. Ebike Biripudigha, allegedly killed on October 9, 2025, by suspected assailants from Adoloseimo Community.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers invaded Ikokotoru, a settlement under Abere Community in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North LGA of Delta State, and killed Mr. Biripudigha while he was engaged in his timber and fishing activities.
The community leadership, led by Chairman Mr. Melford Otukpu, described the late Biripudigha as a hardworking and peace-loving young man. They have reported the case to the Koko Police Station and are calling on the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. Otukpu stressed that the Ikokotoru people will not resort to self-help but urged the authorities to ensure lasting peace between Ikokotoru and Adoloseimo communities. He also emphasized that Ikokotoru lies within Delta State, not Ondo State, and called for mutual respect for territorial boundaries to prevent further violence. Statement partly reads....
PRESS STATEMENT
Ikokotoru Federated Communities Demand Justice Over the Murder of Mr. Ebike Biripudigha
The leadership of the Ikokotoru Federated Communities has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal murder of one of its industrious sons, Mr. Ebike Biripudigha, and is calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is swiftly served.
According to eyewitness accounts from within the community, on October 9, 2025, some armed individuals suspected to be indigenes of Adoloseimo Community invaded Ikokotoru Federated Communities, a settlement under Abere Community, located in the creeks of Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
During the unprovoked attack, Mr. Biripudigha, who was engaged in his regular timber and fishing activities, was ambushed and gruesomely murdered by the assailants using guns and cutlasses.
The leadership described the late Mr. Biripudigha as a diligent, hardworking, and peace-loving young man who was contributing meaningfully to the growth of the community before his untimely death. The case has since been reported to the Koko Police Station to ensure a transparent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
As a peace-loving people, we will not take the law into our hands. We therefore call on the Government of Delta State to thoroughly investigate this incident and bring the culprits to book,” the statement declared.
The community leadership recalled that this was not the first attack allegedly carried out by individuals from Adoloseimo, noting that a previous invasion had occurred, which led to the arrest of one of the suspected perpetrators.
Speaking further, the Chairman of Ikokotoru Federated Communities, Mr. Melford Otukpu, condemned the murder in strong terms and reaffirmed that the Ikokotoru people had no involvement in any violent act that might have resulted in loss of life.
This unfortunate event was not in any way influenced by us. It may have been caused by some unscrupulous elements who came to hide around our vicinity with the aim of causing unrest,” he stated.
While demanding justice for the slain son of the community, Mr. Otukpu appealed to the Delta State Government, relevant security agencies, and the Traditional Councils of Chiefs in both Egbema and Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Kingdoms to urgently intervene to prevent further breakdown of peace and to ensure lasting harmony between the two neighboring communities.
He further urged the people of Adoloseimo to desist from invading Ikokotoru territory, emphasizing that Ikokotoru is within the jurisdiction of Delta State, not Ondo State.
We call for peace, understanding, and mutual respect for territorial boundaries, so that residents engaged in fishing and timber work can go about their activities without fear or intimidation,” the statement concluded.
Signed:
Melford Otukpu
Chairman, Ikokotoru Federated Communities
Date: October 10, 2025
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