Bizarre murder of a leader in Ibusa, Delta State at the weekend paralysed activities in the area. Reports said a member of the Ibusa Local vigilante group allegedly, killed his own brother (one Joseph Okwu) in an ‘accidental discharge’.
An eyewitness said the suspect (name withheld) arrived a drinking joint where people were having fun including the victim when the suspect reportedly shot severally in the air to scare suspected criminals, but this was not to be as the victim was caught by a stray bullet instead.
Our informed source said the victim an elder of the vigilante member until his death was a father of five and a community leader.
Investigation revealed that the victim had struggled to survive as he was taken to a near-by hospital but died few minutes before the doctors could attend to him.
Angered by the act of the suspect who had wanted to escape, sources said, relations of the deceased, including youths in the area went on rampage to burn down the house of the suspect, leaving his wife and children severely beaten.
Reacting to the incident, the police spokesman in the State, DSP Charles Muka confirmed that the suspect was presently being questioned at the state CID.
He warned vigilante members against being in possession of guns and ammunition, saying that vigilante members are not to handle arms.
DSP Muka said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
He also explained that due to the importance of local vigilante policing, the command was planning to train vigilante members on how to assist the police to combat crimes.