Mathew Amaechi
A vigilante member in Okpanam community, Mr. Samuel Okoro, has been tragically shot dead by kidnappers he was reportedly trailing.
Reports reveal that the incident occurred after kidnappers abducted victims in the community on Sunday, moving them into a nearby bush. Mr. Okoro, a dedicated local security operative, spotted the suspects in the bush and began to trail them, unaware that his movements had been observed. He was subsequently shot dead by the assailants.
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, expressed condolences and urged other vigilante members to prioritize their safety by informing the police of their operations. “Yes, the man is a vigilante in Okpanam and was killed by kidnappers,” SP Edafe stated in a telephone interview. “We heard that Mr. Okoro saw the kidnappers in the bush and was trailing them before they shot him. So, we are advising others to always inform the police and not go after kidnappers or armed robbers alone.”
This latest killing suggests a growing security crisis in and around Okpanam and Issele-Azagba, both located near the state capital.
The areas have recently experienced a series of kidnappings and killings, leading many local farmers to abandon their farms out of fear for their lives and safety. The continuous threat has severely impacted agricultural activities and the general sense of peace in these communities.
