Suspected IPOB members kill two Delta residents

Suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday, invaded Ugbolu community, near Asaba, Delta State. They were chanting and shooting at the same time. Two persons were reportedly killed, a security officer and a civilian. Their bodies found at about 7.30a.m., near the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

Delta State Police Command’s Spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the death of a man killed and burnt on a motorcycle, along Ugbolu Mi-5 Road, in Oshimili North Local Council of the state. Edafe said only one body was seen at the scene, as against two bodies, adding: “We are investigating the matter.”

Sources alleged two persons were killed by the suspected IPOB members, who kept shooting into the air, shouting that elections must not hold. They described one of the victims as an officer of the law, while the other was a civilian.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Delta State Command deployed 2979 personnel to provide security for the general elections.

The state Command’s helmsman, Mr. Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, said the Corps, in collaboration with other security agencies, was leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security of lives and property in Delta, during and after the general elections.

He said flashpoints within the state were identified and adequately covered, while also assuring them of the Corps’ readiness to protect all critical national assets and infrastructure within the state before, during and after the general elections.

The personnel, which were drawn from the Armed Squad Unit, Agro Rangers, Crisis and Disaster Management, Tactical teams, Component commands, are to work in synergy with other security agencies to achieve a peaceful, free, fair and credible general elections.

He encouraged Delta residents to go and exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

In Agbor, Ika South Local Council, an apex Agbor group, Concerned Agbor Citizens, called for calm, as Nigerians vote in today’s general elections.

The group Chairman, Mr Echi Obue, said the country was going through tough economic and security challenges but, that should not warrant any form of violence or flouting of government’s laws.