Benin City – Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a security guard few days after he was released from police custody in Benin City, Edo State Capital.
The victim, Okwudili Okolie,35 was murdered at 19, Etinosa Street, off 2nd Ivbiore Street, Ihiogbe quarters, Benin City about 4pm, Sunday, July 22, 2018.
Before his gruesome murder, he was said to have been working as security a guard at Ihogbe College, ICE road, off Wire road in Benin.
Police source hinted that the deceased guard was arrested for his alleged complicity in the students unrest, witnessed at the college, recently.The principal of the school was said to have sought his release on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
When our reporter visited Ihogbe College last Friday the teachers that were on duty declined comments maintaining that the school principal was absent. Attempts to obtain his phone number failed.It was further learnt that the principal facilitated the deceased release from police custody probably due to his relevance.
A source in the school who pleaded for anonymity disclosed that the victim, Okwudili was a member of a para-military group (Man-‘O’-War) allegedly engaged by the school management to assist in the protection of lives and property in the college premises.
Also, a visit to the scene of murder revealed a deserted compound as blood stains littered the veranda of the house which was under lock and keys.
Confirming the unfortunate incident in an exclusive chat with our reporter, the Public Relations Officer for Edo Police Command DSP Chidi Nwanbuzor said operatives of Oba Market Police Station, led by the DPO SP Onaghise Osarenmwinda stormed the area after receiving a distress call that there was cult activities at house 19, Etinosa Street, Ihogbe quarters.
“The DPO Oba market Police Station moved his anti-robbery team to the scene only to find a lifeless body of one Okwudili Okolie, 35 resident of 6, 2nd Irie Street, off First Irie Street, off Wire road, Benin City. “He was shot on the head, with wounds indicating that he was first beaten.
“However, the police team rushed him to Central Hospital, Benin City where he was confirmed dead by doctors.
The corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary, investigation is ongoing”. DSP Chidi stated.
