Three people have been killed by a vigilante at a hotel in Sapele, Delta State, sparking outrage and the eventual burning of the property. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 1, at Ibada-Elume Community.
Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, confirmed the tragedy, with Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe stating that the vigilante responsible is still at large.
Eyewitnesses said that a power outage in the hotel prompted some youths lodged at the facility to leave their rooms due to the heat. A confrontation ensued when the vigilante on duty ordered the youths to return to their rooms.
According to reports, the youths defied the warning, prompting the vigilante to open fire, killing one immediately. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Angered by the shooting, other youths gathered at the hotel, and in an attempt to defend himself, the vigilante reportedly shot and killed two more individuals on the premises.
Following the fatalities, the youths retreated, later mobilizing for reprisal. By the time they returned, the vigilante had escaped. In the ensuing chaos, the hotel was set ablaze.
The Sapele Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating the incident, urging the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect. Authorities have called for calm as efforts continue to restore order in the community.
