UGHELLI—AT least three persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the brutal murder of one Mr. Independence Onovwayeke in Orhoakpor community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Late Onovwayeke, who was in his early thirties, was allegedly killed by some youths of the community on the orders of a prominent member of the village.

Speaking to newsmen in Ughelli on behalf of the deceased family, Mr. Emmanuel Ughakpoteni, an uncle to late Independence, said the sad event took place during the annual harvest of fish ponds in the community.

According to him, Independence was killed while trying to identify those who had assaulted him earlier in the day on the orders of the community leader and told newsmen that the community has nine fish ponds, one of which was dedicated to an idol in the community.

He said on the day of harvest of the pond dedicated to the idol, the community leader instructed his followers to prevent anybody from overtaking their procession.

He claimed that Independence who was unaware of the instructions overtook the procession on his motorcycle which made the leader to be angry and in turn directed the youths to apprehend the deceased who was seriously beaten

Independence then reported the case at the Isiokolo Police Division, which went with him to arrest the suspects.

He added that while trying to identify those who had beaten him to the police, the suspects pounced on him, while one of them stabbed him in the neck killing him on the spot as the policemen who accompanied him fled for their lives.

He called on the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Jacob Oshiomogho, to ensure that the killers of late Independence Onovwayeke were brought to book.

When our correspondent visited the Isiokolo Police Division, the Divisional Police Officer was said to have traveled to Asaba.

However a senior police officer, who wished to remain anonymous confirmed that three suspects had been arrested. He said investigation was ongoing.