Omotayo Adigun
A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has been apprehended in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, following the alleged shooting and killing of a student of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic on Thursday moorning. The deceased has been identified as Peter Eyorowalebo.
The suspect, Peter Ike, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on the direct orders of the State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, for a comprehensive and discreet investigation into the incident.
Eyorowalebo, 29, was a regular part-time student in the Science and Laboratory Technology department of the polytechnic. He was reportedly in his room, engaged in studying and preparing for examinations scheduled for the same day, when the tragic incident occurred.
According to a statement released by the Delta State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, Commissioner Abaniwonda has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID to personally oversee the case and ensure a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Commissioner of Police extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and the student body of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic. He urged them to maintain calm and assured them that the police command is committed to leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for the slain student.
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Preliminary reports indicate that the vigilante member allegedly entered the deceased’s room while handling a loaded firearm, which then accidentally discharged. The bullet struck Peter Eyorowalebo in the face, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Upon receiving news of the shooting, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogwashi-Uku swiftly mobilized police operatives to the location. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood. The deceased was promptly transported to a hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor. His body has since been deposited at a mortuary for an autopsy examination.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, a concerned community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed deep sadness and lamented the alleged proliferation of light arms within Ogwashi-Uku and its surrounding areas.
The community leader suggested that individuals, operating under the guise of belonging to various local security outfits, including vigilante groups and anti-cult squads, have been observed carrying firearms indiscriminately. The community leader urged the police high command in Asaba to urgently address this concerning issue.