CHRISTMAS AND END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE UGBORODO COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (UCMC)

CHRISTMAS AND END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE UGBORODO COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (UCMC)

To the great, resilient, and ever-hospitable people of the Ugborodo Federated Communities, as we mark the sacred celebration of Christmas and prepare to usher in a New Year, the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) extends heartfelt greetings, prayers, and warm wishes to all our Elders, Leaders, sons, daughters, residents, friends, and well-wishers at home and in the diaspora.

This season, which ordinarily symbolizes joy, peace, and goodwill, has however been overshadowed by deep sorrow and collective grief following the sudden and brutal loss of our dear brother, Emiko Onuwaje, whose precious life was cut short in cold blood by outlaws, thugs, and invaders unleashed upon our peaceful community by John Daje aka Okpeyor. His passing has left an indelible pain in our hearts, and the entire Ugborodo Federated Communities mourn this tragic and senseless act.

On behalf of the leadership and people of Ugborodo, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of our departed brother. We pray that the Almighty God grants them strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and that the soul of Emiko Onuwaje finds eternal rest.

While we remain in a period of mourning, the UCMC wishes to appeal to all indigenes and residents to continue with their lawful duties and daily activities, while upholding the enduring values that define us as a people — peace, unity, oneness, love, and communal harmony. We must not allow the actions of criminal elements to destroy the fabric of our coexistence or derail the collective destiny of our communities.

Furthermore, the Management Committee hereby assures all indigenes and residents who temporarily left the community — particularly those from Ogidigben — due to fear arising from the violent attacks on innocent youths and women by thugs and criminals brought into the community by Daje John Okpeyor, that normalcy and security are being restored. We strongly encourage everyone to return home without fear, as the community remains under firm security surveillance.

It is important to place on record that all individuals and groups involved in the gruesome murder of Emiko Onuwaje, whether already arrested, currently under investigation, or still at large — whose names are in the custody of State and Federal Government authorities — must stay completely away from Ugborodo and its federated communities until all investigations by government security agencies are fully concluded. Consequently, all forms of intimidation, molestation, harassment, and unwarranted threats associated with these unlawful elements have come to an end and will not be tolerated under any guise.

The UCMC sincerely commends and appreciates the prompt intervention and continued presence of government security agencies, particularly the Joint Task Force comprising the Nigerian Navy, Army, and Police, for their professionalism and commitment in ensuring that peace and stability are gradually returning to our land.

As we reflect on the lessons of this season — sacrifice, love, justice, and hope — let us recommit ourselves to protecting the sanctity of life, defending our community, and building a future anchored on peace and mutual respect.

Despite our grief, we remain hopeful. Despite our pain, we remain united. And despite recent trials, Ugborodo shall rise stronger, safer, and more united than ever.

On behalf of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous, and purposeful New Year 2026.

Long live Ugborodo Federated Communities.

Long live Warri Kingdom.

Long Live Delta State

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Signed: 

Mr. Emmanuel Onuwaje

Chairman, Ugbodoro Community

Management Committee (UCMC) Management Committee (UCMC)

 Mr. Eyengho S. Besidone

Secretary, Ugborodo Community

Management Committee (UCMC) Management Committee (UCMC)

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