The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Western Zone, has called for a thorough investigation into the murder of Peter Eyorowalebo, a student of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic in Delta State.
A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Ogwashi-Uku, Peter Ike, who allegedly shot and killed the student, has since been arrested.
The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on the orders of the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, for discreet investigation.
The 29-year-old victim, a part-time student in the Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, was shot in his room while studying in preparation for examinations scheduled for the same day.
According to a statement by the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, Commissioner Abaniwonda directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID to take over the case and ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted.
While extending his condolences to the bereaved family and the student community of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, the Commissioner of Police urged them to remain calm and assured that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.
The vigilante member reportedly entered the deceased’s room while handling a loaded firearm, which allegedly discharged accidentally, striking the student in the face and killing him instantly.
The Divisional Police Officer in Ogwashi-Uku was said to have promptly mobilised to the scene, where the victim was found lying in a pool of blood.
The deceased was taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor and his remains were deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.
In the meantime, IYC Information Officer Tare Magbei called on the police high command to urgently address the reported proliferation of light arms within the community and its surroundings.
“Under the guise of belonging to various local security outfits, arms have allegedly proliferated in the area. You just find youths carrying guns about indiscriminately, either as members of vigilante groups or anti-cult squads. Police authorities should look into this,”; he said.
