Gunmen kill Delta community secretary over alleged crude oil discovery

Unidentified gunmen rampaging Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday in the early hours allegedly killed secretary of Ndemili community under the Local Government Council over the recent discovery of crude oil in the area.

It was reliably gathered that the victim identified as Sunday (surname withheld), was allegedly shot dead right inside his house by the hoodlums numbered over six persons. It was further learnt that the killers stormed his house in the early hours after knocking on his door, and upon his move to open, allegedly rained bullets on him after which they escaped to an unknown direction with their car.

Eye witness said the victim was killed in the presence of his family members who were helpless while he shouted for help to no avail.

Expectedly, there has been tension in Ndemili community in the past few months following the discovery of crude oil in the area; a situation neighbouring communities allegedly claimed ownership and had been asking for compensation from the state government. But the Police Image Maker in the state, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the murder of the Secretary to Journalists in Asaba, said investigation was on going with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

He said: “the matter is at present under investigation, we want to assure the public that the culprits would be brought to book”.
Meanwhile, a businessman, Solomon Adah was on Thursday lost his Toyota Camry Car to armed robbers in Asaba during a traditional wedding ceremony reception.

The car owner who spoke to journalists said: “I packed my car at the wedding reception, after few hours I came out, I found my car was stolen, and I raised the alarm, I thought it was a drama, until policemen started searching for it.

But the Police Image Maker in the state, who confirmed the report of the stolen vehicle, however assured that the police will do its best to uncover those behind the act.

Investigation revealed that in the last three weeks no fewer than six vehicles have been allegedly stolen at organised ceremony venues within Asaba and its environs but the police have vowed that it will no longer be business as usual for armed robbers including kidnapers unless they relocate elsewhere out of the state.

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba