Tension is rising in the Iyekogba community, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, as elders and youths have called on security agencies to bring the killers of Mr. Frank Osagie to justice after he was allegedly murdered in broad daylight.
The aggrieved residents staged a peaceful protest at the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, passionately appealing to the Edo State Police Command and other relevant authorities to apprehend and prosecute those behind the gruesome act.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Bright Uwaifiokun Omo-Asuen urged Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Commissioner of Police to immediately wade into the matter, lamenting that no arrest has been made days after the incident.
Recounting the incident, Mr. Omo-Asuen revealed that the tragic event occurred during a peace meeting at Umegbe Village aimed at resolving a boundary dispute between Evbuorohun Village and Okpebor Village. Trouble, however, started when a group from Okpebor, who arrived late, allegedly opened fire on the gathering without provocation.
He said:
“The following Monday was scheduled for a follow-up meeting. The Odionwere of Okpebor Community had agreed to attend with his people. From there, the delegation moved to Evbuorohun Community to meet their Odionwere as well.”
According to him, while the gathering was ongoing, the Okaeghele of Okpebor Community, Mr. Marvis Agbontaen, alongside his second-in-command, Mr. Osazee Okunbo, and several others reportedly drove by in three vehicles. After parking at a distance, they allegedly returned and began firing sporadically at the crowd without any confrontation.
The violent attack claimed the life of Mr. Frank Osagie, who died while being rushed to the hospital. His body is currently deposited in a morgue in Benin City.
The statement further listed other victims of the gun attack who sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention. They include:
Mr. Victor Iredia
Mr. Osagiator Amadasun
Mr. Monday Ohonba
Mr. Osarobo Aighariaha
Several others reportedly escaped with minor injuries or fled the scene.
The matter, according to the protesters, has since been reported at the Iyekogba Estate Police Division, where investigations are said to be underway.
The Iyekogba elders and youths are demanding swift action, stressing that justice must be served to deter future acts of violence within the area.
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