By Jennifer Y Omiloli
Tension mars Sapele over alleged killing of Okada rider identified as Sunday Ejiro in Sapele community, Delta State.
On Thursday, reports said that a group of Okada riders had allegedly thronged various streets in Sapele community, protesting the alleged killing of one of them by suspected vigilante operatives.
Benjamine Okero, leader of the protesters, accused the vigilante operatives of killing Sunday Ejiro last Tuesday evening, adding that they will not rest in the protest until those who killed Sunday Ejiro are brought to book.
Meanwhile, the vigilante operatives through the administrative officer, Obarakpo Obukokwhio, expressed surprise at the allegation, saying: “we did not at any time stop or kill any Okada rider in Sapele, our duty is to complain to the police, or other security agencies in control of crimes in the areas, we knew nothing in the killing of Sunday Ejiro, we are innocent”.
It was gathered that Sunday Ejiro, a 36 year Okada rider was allegedly shot around Amukpe area in Sapele on Tuesday evening by suspected vigilante operatives upon his refusal to stop for a check.
Since then, there has been palpable tension and fear of the unknown in Sapele.
ASP Chuks Orisewezie, Acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, said the police were investigating the circumstances that led to the killing of the Okada rider, adding that those who were initially arrested over the matter were granted bail while investigation continues as residents of Sapele and Amukpe communities on Wednesday besieged Sapele police station to demand the arrest of the killers of Sunday Ejiro, the Okada rider.
