3 shot dead in Edo

I.G  POLICE

Three persons have been reportedly shot dead while several houses were razed during a reprisal attack  over a leadership tussle in Azagba community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State

Those killed were identified as Osadolor (28), Amigolo Ighitu (45) and Ameosa Egbeobamwanye.

Following the incident, some family members of two of the victims yesterday staged a protest demanding for police protection of their community.

They accused Charles of bringing  thugs to cause mayhem in the community.

One of the deceased’s niece, Loveth Odigie, said they were protesting to appeal to the government to come to their aid at Azagba community.

“My brother, Amigolo was pursued into our house and shot dead. The mother begged them but they pushed her away. I don’t know what they are fighting for. The thugs came and killed my brother.”

Another witness, Elvis Ero said “he saw the thugs chasing Amigolo with a pistol and shot him twice.

“Charles Egbe has ruled for nine years and when we asked him for account, he refused. Instead he brought thugs to our community. Several others have been injured since this fight started. We went home to rejoice over our court victory before trouble started”, he said.

But in his reaction, Charles said he went with four boys to clean his house on Sunday when his rival brought boys and dragged one of them away.

“The Ohen came with his boys but he told them not to touch me. They took one of my boys away and I was later told that he was shot. I called the police and it was around 7:30pm I heard that the boy died at the hospital. I don’t know what they are saying now that another person was killed. I don’t know what happened in the bush.

“My house at Azagba has been set ablaze. They said I should not enter my house in the village but I went there and they came to fight me. How can I take four boys to go and fight. I did not take any thugs there and I did not know how many people were killed. Police were in my house protecting me that day. The problem has been on for the past six months.”

The leadership tussle between the Community Development Association (CDA) chairman, Charles Egbe and spriritual leader of the community, Nosakhare Ogieriakhi was said to spanned over three years.

When contacted yesterday the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo confirmed the incident and said arrest has been made.