Protest rocks Delta community as soldiers allegedly kill youth hunting snails

Tension gripped Ogulagha community in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State after soldiers attached to the Forcados Terminal allegedly shot dead a youth in the community, Endurance Kalaepele.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the 27-year-old victim was allegedly shot twice while he picked snails.

The incident reportedly happened around 11pm on Monday.

Enraged youths of the community were said to have gone on the rampage, destroying company vehicles and property, just as they also took over the major roads to express their anger.

The community youth president, ThankGod Iyaragba, told journalists that the deceased was with six others hunting snails when he was allegedly shot dead by the soldiers.

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.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, said he had yet to get details of the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Political Matters, Ozobo Austin, has described the killing of the 27-year-old as “unprofessional, provocative and barbaric.”

He said the incident could incite unrest in the community.

The governor’s aide, while sympathising with the entire Ogulagha community and the bereaved family, appealed to the youth to be calm.

He assured that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa would investigate the incident and bring to book the soldiers involved in the “dastardly act.” (The PUNCH)