Vigilante shoots and kills polytechnic student in Delta

DDM News

A vigilante member has been arrested for allegedly killing a 29-year-old student of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Delta State.

The student, identified as Peter Eyorowalebo, was reportedly shot dead while studying in his room.

The tragic incident occurred on April 30, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m. within the student’s residential area.

According to reports, Eyorowalebo was preparing for his forthcoming examinations when the suspect allegedly opened fire.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the immediate arrest of the suspect, Peter Ike.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) corespondents in Delta, the spokesperson for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this during a media briefing in Asaba.

He stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogwashi-Uku received a distress call about the shooting.

On arrival at the scene, officers found the victim lying in a pool of blood.

The police promptly rushed the student to the hospital.

Unfortunately, the attending doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.

His body was subsequently deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect.

The Commissioner also directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a more discreet probe.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the CID was tasked with overseeing the investigation.

SP Edafe assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

He added that no effort would be spared in ensuring justice for the deceased.

The Commissioner of Police also visited the family of the victim to offer condolences.

He called on students of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic and residents of the area to remain calm.

He further promised that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.

The death of Peter Eyorowalebo has sparked outrage among students and residents of Ogwashi-Uku.

Many have expressed concern over the increasing powers and unchecked actions of vigilante groups.

Originally established to assist security agencies in combating crime, some vigilantes have now become sources of fear.

Cases of abuse, harassment, and illegal use of firearms by some members have been widely reported.

In several parts of Nigeria, vigilantes operate with little regulation or oversight.

This often leads to confrontations and tragic outcomes like the recent killing in Delta State.

Human rights groups have also weighed in, calling for stricter control over community security outfits.

They advocate for training, background checks, and official monitoring of such groups.

The killing of a student inside his own room has renewed calls for reform of vigilante operations nationwide.

Many believe the presence of armed individuals with minimal accountability poses a serious threat to civil society.

Activists argue that while community policing is important, it must not come at the expense of human life.

As investigations continue, pressure mounts on the Delta State Government and Police Command to ensure justice is served.

The student community is demanding answers and reassurance that such incidents will not be repeated.

Eyorowalebo’s death adds to a troubling trend of extrajudicial killings involving local security personnel.

It remains to be seen what legal consequences the suspect, Peter Ike, will face following the police investigation.

The Nigerian public continues to watch closely as the case unfolds, hoping for transparency and accountability.

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