Tension erupted in the Ogulagha village in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, following the alleged shooting of Endurance Kalaepele by soldiers assigned to the Forcados Terminal.
According to information, the 27-year-old victim was shot twice while picking snails.
On Monday night, the incident allegedly took place at 11 p.m.
It was said that outraged youths from the community went on the rampage, trashing corporate property and automobiles, as well as taking control of the main routes to vent their displeasure.
The deceased was allegedly killed by the army while out hunting snails with six other people, according to the village youth president, ThankGod Iyaragba.
He said:
“Around 10pm yesterday (Monday), six of the community boys went to the bush behind Forcadoes Terminal for snail picking, but were intercepted on their way back by military men.
“One of the boys, Endurance, tried to run out of fear but was shot twice at close range.
“This infuriated youths in the community to go on the rampage, destroying company vehicles and property.”
DSP Bright Edafe, the state police's public information officer, stated that as of the time this report was filed, he had not yet received information about the incident.
The 27-year-killing has been referred to as "unprofessional, provocative, and brutal" by Ozobo Austin, the special assistant to the governor of Delta State on political matters.
He claimed that the incident might lead to community strife.
The governor's adviser pleaded with the youth to remain calm while expressing sympathy to the whole Ogulagha community and the grieving family.
He promised that Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor, will look into the matter and prosecute the soldiers responsible for the "dastardly act."
