Gunmen Assassinate PDP Ward Chairman In Delta

Unknown gunmen suspected to be hired assassins have reportedly shot dead a Peoples Democratic Party Ward Chairman in Delta State.

The deceased, ward chairman for Ughwagba in Okpe local government area of Delta State, Mr. Felix Okugbeni was killed last week Friday around 9:pm.

A source who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday said that deceased was shot severally both on his stomach and chest inside a tricycle in front of his residence.

The victim was alleged to have been assassinated few hours after the Okpe Local Government Council Chairman, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, who is also seeking re-election in the forthcoming LG elections in the state visited the Okugbeni-led PDP executive in Ughwagba community.

It was learnt that the killing sparked tension among residents of the community as a lady occupant of the tricycle where Okugbeni was killed also sustained gunshots injuries.

The lady identified as Gloria Aragba is said to be currently receiving treatment at undisclosed hospital in the state.

State Police Command through its spokesman, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, saying that three persons have been arrested in connection with the killing.

He named the suspects as Junior Dele, Emma Francis and Ejoke Onome from Ughwagba, saying they are currently undergoing investigation by the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked crisis in the Ughwagba community, resulting to the destruction and burning of several houses.

It learnt on Thursday that residents were still fleeing the community for the fear of further attacks by angry mobs.

Although, it was not clear if the killing had any political colouration but sources in the community said the deceased after the visit of the council chairman, left the community on his tricycle and that it was on his return back home in company of a lady that he was ambushed by the gun wielding youths in front of house.

The source said, “What l cannot confirm is that whether the attack was as a result of the visit of the council chairman or on the lingering youth leadership tussle that has existed over time is what l cannot say, but it coincided with the date the council chairman came visiting the ward.

“We also believe that there are some highly placed persons in the community that we feel are behind the incident and we are calling on the police to do a thorough investigation, so that the culprits and those on the run are brought to book.”

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