The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that three people were shot dead by a vigilante on duty at a hotel in the Ibada-Elume community, Sapele Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 1, has sparked outrage and tension in the area.
According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda whose statement was issued through Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe the vigilante officer fled immediately after the shooting and has not yet been apprehended.
Witnesses say the situation began during a power outage that left several youths unable to stay in their rooms due to heat. Their noise reportedly drew the attention of the vigilante, who ordered them back inside and threatened to shoot if they failed to comply. When the youths challenged his warning, he allegedly opened fire, critically injuring one person who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The killing triggered anger among the youths, who marched back to the hotel in protest. At that point, the vigilante and other security personnel on duty allegedly fired additional shots, killing two more individuals instantly. By the time residents mobilized for a reprisal, the vigilante had already escaped.
In the chaos that followed, an irate crowd set the hotel ablaze.
The Delta State Police Command says the case has been transferred to the Sapele Area Command, where investigators are piecing together the events and tracking the suspect. Authorities are urging residents to remain calm as efforts to arrest the fugitive continue.
Read also:Asagba-in-Council Bans Iron Condemn Vendors, Vows Crackdown on Drug Abuse
