BENIN CITY, EDO — A tragic altercation in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23, has left one man dead and a community in chaos within the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Pandemonium broke out in the Ikpe community following the death of Mr. Lucky Okuna, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a suspect identified as Frank Jaguar. The incident, which occurred following a heated dispute, has sparked outrage among local youths and led to acts of arson in retaliation.
The Incident
According to eyewitness accounts provided to the _Standard Daily Press_, the altercation arose from a long-standing disagreement between the two men. Sources revealed that Mr. Jaguar stabbed the deceased in the chest, delivering a fatal blow that reportedly pierced the victim’s heart.
Dwellers in the local camp stated that the relationship between the two had soured recently. Mr. Okuna had reportedly barred Mr. Jaguar, from visiting his camp, frequently accused him of theft and criminality within the community.
”Jaguar is a known criminal in the community,” a camp dweller alleged. “Mr. Lucky had repeatedly warned him to desist from stealing or to stop visiting him entirely.”
Suspect Flees, Mob Retaliates
Immediately after realizing that Mr. Okuna’s body was lifeless, Mr. Jaguar reportedly fled the scene, escaping into the nearby swampy mangrove river to evade capture.
The gruesome nature of the killing incited immediate anger among the community’s youth. In a fit of jungle justice, an angry mob located the makeshift home belonging to Mr. Jaguar’s grandmother and set it ablaze in revenge for the killing.
Police Investigation
Authorities have swung into action to apprehend the fleeing suspect. It was gathered that relatives of Mr. Jaguar has been arrested and detained at the Idogbo Police Station in Ikpoba-Okha. Police sources suggest the relatives are being held to provide information regarding Mr. Jaguar’s whereabouts.
Attempts to reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Idogbo Divisional Headquarters for an official comment on the investigation proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
The remains of Mr. Lucky Okuna has been evacuated and deposited at a morgue in Benin City, pending an autopsy and further investigation.
