Delta: Five Gunned Down In Armed Attack

DELTA, March 18, (THEWILL) - The old, historic town of Sapele, Delta State on Saturday evening played host to an armed attack by unidentified gunmen who laid siege to a public bar, killing a bank manager and four other unknown persons in the process.

The gunmen were said to have stormed the bar, located opposite Okotie-Eboh Grammar School on Macpherson Road, disembarking from their car to immediately open fire on the victims, who were reportedly in a celebrative mood. Five people died and several others sustained deep injuries from the assault, which reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm

Two critically wounded persons have been referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) from the General Hospital where all injured persons were first rushed to.

Although the cause of the shooting remained undecided as at press time, residents had earlier raised alarm on the spate of cultism-related crimes in the town, with rival cult camps already masterminding a wave of killings in the past weeks.

“The gunmen did not rob anybody in the beer store,” a resident told THEWILL. “They just opened fire at those drinking and they disappeared.”

Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police, Mr. Charles Muka confirmed the incident but assured that the Police would do all within its powers to unravel the mystery and apprehend the culprits.

“We will definitely fish out and apprehend the mindless killers,” Muka said. “It is very sad that such a thing could happen in Sapele considered to be a peaceful town.”