A 13-year-old boy has been tragically killed by a stray bullet in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, following sporadic gunfire by security men attached to a popular hotel in the area.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Thursday night near the Mopol Zone junction in the Tropical area of Sapele, sending panic across the neighbourhood.
Eyewitnesses said the security operatives opened fire for reasons yet unknown, and in the process, a bullet struck the teenager, killing him instantly. Several others were reportedly injured during the shooting.
The identity of the young victim has not been made public at the time of this report.
The shooting has sparked tension and outrage in the community, with residents demanding answers and calling for immediate investigation into the actions of the security guards.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
The motive behind the unprovoked gunfire remains unclear, and the hotel involved has also yet to issue a comment.
Stray bullet incidents are becoming a growing concern in Nigeria, with calls mounting for better control of firearms and more accountability for security personnel, both private and government-owned.
The people of Sapele are now waiting for swift action from the police and government authorities to ensure justice for the young victim and safety for the entire community.
