BY CHIKA KWAMBA/RITA OYIBOKA
A wave of suspicion has gripped residents of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area following the shocking discovery of a dead body in the early hours of yesterday.
The yet-to-be-identified male was found lifeless on the street in front of a popular hotel, with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to his midsection. The scene suggested that he had bled out at the location, triggering immediate panic among residents.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no records of recent cult clashes in the area, though many locals believe the incident may be connected to criminal activity. The development has intensified existing fears over the growing wave of violent crime across the country.
Sources who spoke to The Pointer revealed that the deceased was reportedly a tricycle (keke) driver and may have been attacked by criminals who fled with his vehicle. There are also speculations that his body might have been dumped at the scene, as there were no visible signs of struggle in the area.
The incident has also drawn heated reactions on social media. One Instagram user, okey_the_realtor, commenting under a video posted by default.culture, said, “The police who are supposed to be protecting the city are collecting money from citizens during the day and sleeping during the night. It is well.”
Another user, iam_sommyprecious, wrote, “It could be robbery or cult rivalry, or a revenge after a little clash. If it’s a societal attack, it won’t be just one person.” Meanwhile, erstela_ lamented that “The indecent physical activities are getting out of hand, and it’s scary.”
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were not successful, as calls placed to his phone were unanswered, and no statement had been issued as of press time. However, by midday yesterday, the police were reportedly at the scene.
