(DDM) – Panic spread across Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after a local vigilante identified as Dele Ogunbayo was shot dead in the Pessu area during a midnight attack reportedly carried out by masked men in military-style uniforms.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the assailants stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m., chased down Ogunbayo, and fatally shot him outside his residence.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers later wrapped his body in a tarpaulin, carried it away, and fired gunshots into the air across nearby Ajamimogha and Ekurede communities, leaving residents in fear.

The killing immediately sparked outrage among Itsekiri youths, who accused unknown armed groups of targeting community guards under suspicious circumstances. They demanded an urgent investigation by security agencies into the incident.

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youth Council (IYC), backed by Ijaw neighbours in the volatile Warri axis, warned against what they described as the “creeping emergence of private armies” in the Niger Delta.

Community leaders specifically raised concerns about alleged paramilitary activities linked to oil security contractors such as Tantita Security Services, although no direct evidence has yet implicated the firm.

Residents told DDM that the attackers’ military-style uniforms and coordinated movements created the impression of either security operatives or highly trained mercenaries, raising fresh fears about who controls arms in the oil-rich region.

So far, neither the Nigerian Army, the police, nor the Delta State government has issued an official statement on the killing. The silence has further heightened suspicions and fueled tension in the oil city.

Youth leaders vowed that the death of Ogunbayo would not be swept under the carpet, stressing that his role as a vigilante was to keep the community safe from crime, not to be hunted down by unidentified armed groups.

The vigilante’s killing comes against the backdrop of increasing clashes between local security outfits, oil surveillance contractors, and suspected criminal elements in the Niger Delta, where control of waterways and oil installations has often triggered violent confrontations.

Warri, historically a flashpoint of ethnic rivalries between Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Urhobos, has witnessed recurring bouts of unrest tied to resource control, militancy, and political interference.

Observers note that the brazen nature of the attack suggests a deeper power struggle over security control in the city, with vigilantes, youths, and state-backed contractors often crossing paths.

DDM learned that residents have now mounted pressure on the police to recover Ogunbayo’s remains and identify those responsible for his killing.

The community warned that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice could lead to self-help measures, further destabilizing the fragile peace in Warri.

As of Thursday afternoon, the streets of Pessu, Ajamimogha, and Ekurede remained tense, with residents keeping indoors for fear of reprisals.

Human rights groups in Delta have also begun calling for an independent probe, insisting that the Federal Government cannot ignore a murder carried out under the guise of military presence.

For the Itsekiri people, Ogunbayo’s death is more than a personal tragedy, it is a flashpoint that could reignite wider ethnic and security tensions in the Niger Delta.

In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.

AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?

What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.

What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?

Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.

How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?

Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.

What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?

That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption must begin with accountability among top government officials.

Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” Obasanjo highlighted the importance of leadership in combating corruption. The session was hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo stated, “The best way to fight corruption begins at the top; therefore, that is where we must focus our efforts.”

He stressed that leaders must lead by example. This sets a critical precedent for the entire nation, demonstrating a genuine commitment to transparency and integrity.

The interactive session focused on Obasanjo’s achievements in government and his assessment of Nigeria’s current state. He described corruption as “hydra-headed,” noting its deep roots in Nigerian society. This pervasive issue requires relentless effort to combat effectively.

Using an analogy from a former Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo compared corruption to a “babariga,” a flowing traditional attire. He explained, “If you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side.” This illustrates how corruption can worsen if not addressed comprehensively.

He added, “When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up, and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. That’s corruption.”

Obasanjo emphasized that fighting corruption is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous endeavor requiring sustained commitment across successive administrations. “Corruption is not a one-day affair.

“It’s not a one-regime affair. It must be consistent, continual, and a daily affair,” he said. He warned that a single regime’s inaction may allow corruption to spread uncontrollably.

The former president urged officials to reform the recruitment and appointment of leaders to public office. He advocated for merit-based political appointments, not those based on political affiliations or tribal considerations.

As reported, Obasanjo argued that leaders must possess competence and integrity to effectively serve the nation.

Discussing the source of leadership, Obasanjo asserted that not all leaders receive divine appointment; some arise from personal ambition or malevolent forces.

Addressing Corruption

He stated, “God prepares most leaders and places them in their roles,” suggesting that this divine selection boosts a nation’s chances of success.

However, he recognized that evil influences can also infiltrate leadership. “Satan is real and has power. Satan can create a leader,” highlighting the potential for evil forces to influence those in positions of power.

He referenced Job from the Bible, explaining how Satan challenged God’s righteousness. He emphasized that while Satan has no salvation, his influence should not be underestimated.

Obasanjo’s remarks highlight Nigeria’s need for a comprehensive approach to combat corruption, starting at the highest leadership levels.

He urged leaders to prioritize accountability and meritocracy, ensuring that governance serves the public good.

Concluding his address, the former president stressed that sustainable development comes from transparency, consistent action, and leadership grounded in accountability and divine purpose.

His call to action emphasizes the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s political landscape.