Residents of Ozoma Hilltop Estate in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as a growing security threat posed by an alleged illegal market and settlement located directly in front of the estate, near Gracevill School along the Okpanam–Issele-Azagba Expressway.
According to the residents, the area—popularly referred to as a “Hausa market”—has, over the years, become a source of fear and anxiety due to repeated reports of criminal activities allegedly carried out by hoodlums operating within and around the settlement.
They claim that incidents of robbery, drug peddling and other unlawful acts have become frequent, making life increasingly unsafe for residents of the estate as well as motorists and pedestrians along the busy expressway. Some residents alleged that robberies now occur almost daily.
Community members further alleged that the situation reached a frightening peak recently when a young female hawker was reportedly attacked and held hostage by suspected criminals in the area.
According to them, the victim narrowly escaped death after local vigilante operatives intervened and rescued her. She was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where she is said to be responding to treatment.
The residents disclosed that they have written several petitions to the Delta State Government, Oshimili North Local Government Council, the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies, appealing for urgent intervention to dismantle the alleged illegal structures and restore safety to the area. Despite these efforts, they lamented that no decisive action has yet been taken.
Speaking on behalf of the estate, some residents warned that tension is rising, as alleged threats, theft and intimidation have continued unchecked.
They expressed fear that a more tragic incident could occur if authorities fail to act promptly.
The residents are therefore calling on the state and local governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently investigate the allegations, clear any illegal occupation along the frontage of the estate and deploy adequate security personnel to protect lives and property.
They stressed that their call is not directed at any ethnic group, but at criminal elements who, they alleged, are exploiting an illegal settlement under the guise of a market to perpetrate crime. They urged the government to act swiftly in the interest of peace, public safety and the rule of law.