By FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI—RESIDENTS of Ughelli metropolis were Tuesday, thrown into confusion following the assassination of a middle aged man and an attempt on the life of a police officer in Ekiugbo-Ughelli.

The man, who was identified as Mr Solomon Poyo, was intercepted at about 8pm, when he pulled over in his car to enable his wife buy some drugs from a nearby pharmacy shop.

According to a reliable source, a vehicle with about four occupants pulled over by the side of the deceased’s car, while two armed men alighted, and ordered the deceased to come down from his car and join them.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the victim, who sensed danger refused the order and was shot by the assailants at close range. He died on the spot.

Speaking further, the source said the suspected assassins shot indiscriminately as they fled the scene. He said the assassins also shot at a plain clothes police officer while escaping.

The police officer, Vanguard gathered died at about 2 am, yesterday.

Confirming the incident, a medical doctor attached to the Ughelli Central Hospital, said they battled to save the life of the police officer.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Police command, Mr Charles Muka, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident at press time.