Suspected Thief Beaten to Death Over Stolen Palm Fruits in Delta Community

Suspected Thief Beaten to Death Over Stolen Palm Fruits in Delta Community
Police Arrest Farmer
The killing reportedly sparked fresh violence after friends of the deceased, believed to be suspected cult members, mobilised in search of the suspect

Police operatives attached to the Isiokolo Division have arrested a man identified as Benjamin over the alleged murder of a suspected thief, Marvis, in Okpara-Waterside Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the suspect allegedly accused the deceased of stealing his “Banga” (palm fruits) before the incident that led to his death.

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Sources said other suspects linked to the alleged killing have fled the community to evade arrest.

The police have evacuated the bodies of Marvis and another victim identified as Rawlings to a mortuary.

The incident reportedly began on Tuesday when the suspect and others allegedly took Marvis from his father’s residence to an office in the community, where he was severely beaten.

According to sources, the victim lost consciousness during the assault but was revived after being given a bottle of Malta Guinness before the beating allegedly continued until he died.

The suspects were said to have later dumped his body at his father’s compound.

The killing reportedly sparked fresh violence after friends of the deceased, believed to be suspected cult members, mobilised in search of the suspect.

During the unrest, Rawlings was allegedly shot dead after appealing to the group to remain calm.

A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrested suspect, a farmer, had repeatedly complained about the theft of produce from his farm before allegedly laying an ambush that led to Marvis’ arrest.

The source added that the incident had divided the community and members of the local vigilante group, with some backing the farmer’s actions and others condemning the killing.

It was also alleged that some of those involved in the assault came from Udu and other communities in Delta State.

Sources further disclosed that the suspect reported himself to the police before the victim eventually died.

When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said he needed time to verify the incident.