Gunmen kill two vigilantes in Delta community

There was tension in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday as gunmen killed two members of the vigilante group in the community.

The PUNCH gathered that the incident which happened on Thursday night led to the blockage and burning of tyres along the major streets at Amukpe by angry youths in protest of the continued insecurity in the town.

An eyewitness said occupants of a Venza intercepted a Hilux van used by the vigilantes at the Amukpe motor park area and started shooting the occupants.

“The Hilux, in an attempt to evade the gun fire, tried to escape but rather ran into the pole of one of the street lights along the road.

“The hoodlums drove to where the Hilux Van was stuck and started shooting the occupants, killing the Amukpe vigilantes Chairman, Mr. Glory and the other occupant, Mr. Gift.

“The youths are angry over the situation and the insecurity in the town. Since Friday till today (Saturday), they still block the road,” he said.

Another witness who pleaded anonymity said the Venza car was among the group that invaded the community road and NDDC road that night, to rob residents.

“It may be that while the hoodlums were escaping from the robbery, they met the vigilante and attacked them,” he said

As at the time of filing this report, vehicular movement around Amukpe has stopped as youths continued blocking the road in protest.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, confirmed the killing, adding that it was an armed robbery incident.

“Yes, it was armed robbery incident, the two vigilante was killed by robbers and investigation is ongoing with a view to arrest the perpetrators,” he said

Also, the Sapele LGA Chairman, Eugene Inoaghan, said the culprits would definitely be brought to book and assured residents that the police would soon restore order in the troubled areas.

-punch news