Security operatives in Delta State have arrested a member of the Anti-Cult Unit, Philip Chukwuka, 33, for allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old girl, Isioma Nwayalani, in Okpanam, a town in Oshimili North Local Government Area, near Asaba.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the tragic incident was reported at 8:30 p.m. by the family of the victim, who informed the Okpanam Divisional Police Headquarters that they had received a distress call from a man identified as Chika, informing them that his younger sister had been fatally shot.
Upon receiving the report, police patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they encountered a large crowd protesting the killing.
The security operatives managed to disperse the crowd peacefully, and a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene.
The victim was immediately taken to the Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Her body has been deposited for an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the suspect has been arrested, and his service weapon has been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have assured residents that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, a social activist called Wong Box has condemned the killing.
He said, “It’s criminal. The actions of the anti-cult member resulting in the death of the nurse in Okpanam can indeed constitute criminal liability. The term ‘accidental discharge’ does not absolve an individual from responsibility, especially when negligence or recklessness is involved.”
