By Vitus Chimuanya

A middle-aged widow, Mrs. Victoria Odeh, has been shot dead in Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, in a killing that has sparked fear and renewed concerns over violent land disputes and insecurity in the area.

The deceased’s maternal family believes the attack may be connected to a long-standing property dispute involving her only son and two of her late husband’s siblings, as well as alleged threats from suspected cult members. However, the Delta State Police Command has not officially confirmed the motive for the killing or identified those responsible.

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Mrs. Odeh, a native of Igbogili, Abavo, was reportedly murdered in the early hours of Saturday, June 27, 2026, when unidentified gunmen invaded her residence at Ikechukwu Street, Ezeofun, Alidogun, Abavo.

According to information obtained by The Catholic Beacon from a family source who requested anonymity for security reasons, the late Mrs. Odeh and her only son, Amechi Ikechukwu, had allegedly faced years of threats arising from a dispute over a borrow pit and other landed properties belonging to her late husband, Mr. Ikechukwu Odeh, in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The dispute reportedly began after Mr. Odeh’s death in 2008, when ownership of the borrow pit became the subject of disagreement between his only son and two of his siblings, identified as Andy Odeh and David Odeh.

According to the report, tensions escalated in 2021 after Amechi allegedly refused to swear an oath before the Ikenga shrine in connection with claims surrounding the inheritance, citing his Christian faith.

Family sources further alleged that Amechi later sought private security protection for the disputed property after receiving threats.

The situation allegedly turned violent on March 5, 2021, when armed men reportedly attacked the borrow pit, leading to a gun battle that claimed the lives of two security operatives identified as Igbinioba Victor Daniel and Chukwuka Chukwunonso.

According to the family, Amechi subsequently received threats from persons alleged to be members of the Aye Confraternity (Neo-Black Movement), who reportedly demanded that he identify those responsible for the deaths of the two men. These allegations have not been independently verified by law enforcement authorities.

A neighbour, who also requested anonymity, claimed the attackers arrived at Mrs. Odeh’s residence around 4:00 a.m., asking for the whereabouts of her son.

The witness alleged that after Mrs. Odeh informed them she had not seen Amechi since he fled in 2021, the gunmen threatened her before opening fire, killing her on the spot.

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Residents described the incident as heartbreaking and called for an impartial investigation.

“A disagreement over family property should never result in the loss of innocent lives. We appeal to security agencies to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that justice is served,” one resident said.

Community leaders also urged authorities to investigate both the 2021 killings linked to the disputed property and the recent murder of Mrs. Odeh in order to establish the facts and prevent further violence.

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Meanwhile, the Diocesan President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Issele-Uku Diocese, Ezinne Patricia Obiageli Nwanze, described the late Mrs. Odeh as a devoted member of the Church and appealed for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

She also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and urged relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Command had not announced any arrests or publicly established the motive behind the killing. Investigations are ongoing.