Tension in Uzere community over alleged sale of stepdown transformers

There is growing tension in Uzere community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following allegations that the community’s 2.5MVA stepdown transformer and another 300/11KVA distribution transformer were sold by the leadership under Raphael Oderewhu.

While community leaders maintain that the transformers were taken away for repairs, some residents allege that they were being sold without due consultation.

Trouble began when operatives from the Oleh Police Division intercepted a truck conveying the transformers and arrested five men suspected to be involved in the movement. Police sources said the suspects claimed to have bought the transformers, prompting the invitation of community leaders for questioning.

According to reports, the leadership explained that the transformers had developed faults and were being taken out for repairs in line with a decision reached during a community meeting. However, the explanation did not convince some residents, leading to rising suspicion and unrest.

Angry youths reportedly staged a peaceful protest at the Oleh Police Station, demanding the release of the transformers. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), however, transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further investigation.

The President-General of Uzere community, Raphael Oderewhu, was said to have been detained and later granted administrative bail as investigations continued. Tension reportedly heightened when the community leadership allegedly imposed a fine of ₦1 million and threatened banishment against those accused of leaking information about the incident.

Fearing possible attacks, several residents are said to have fled the community. Efforts to reach the Ovie of Uzere, HRM Isaac Udogri I, were unsuccessful, while the Vice President-General, Agbaka Edafemako, stated he was on transit.

In a post on the Uzere Congress Facebook platform, youth leader Aboki Dennis called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. He described the transformers as critical assets provided by the Delta State Government through DESOPADEC and warned against tampering with public electrical infrastructure without authorization from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Dennis commended the police for acting swiftly, noting that the suspects, vehicle, and recovered transformers had been handed over to the State Police Command for further action.