Delta lawmaker, Izeze, shot by gunmen

A member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Reuben Izeze, has been shot by gunmen in the Effurun area of the state.

NewsNet Nigeria gathered that the two-time lawmaker representing Ughelli South Constituency was attacked Thursday night by the gunmen who rained bullets at his vehicle.

It was learnt that the outspoken lawmaker and rights activist survived the attack which was carried out at a closed range and was rushed to an undisclosed private hospital.

It was further gathered that his driver who was abducted during the attack was later set free.

Confirming the development to NewsNet Nigeria the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, said it was more of robbery, not assassination.

According to him, the armed men had initially made away with the lawmaker’s car and his driver, but had to abandon both when a police patrol went after them.

Meanwhile, one Comrade Israel Joe has said that the gunmen that attacked Hon Izeze may be the same gang that attempted to rob him of his Lexus 350 car on Thursday night at about 8:40pm, when he branched off to a pharmacy shop not far from the popular JJC before Jakpa junction in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

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Comrade Joe on Thursday night on his Facebook page wrote below:

I just escaped being Shot tonight 23rd December, 2021.

Armed robbers in Effurun, Warri and environs have been so emboldened. At my return from Enugu this evening, I stopped by at the baber’s shop since home service might not be visible tomorrow being Xmas Watch night.

Due to the protracted program in Enugu where I have been since Monday this week, I had slight headache and had to branch off to the pharmacy at about 8:40pm. The Pharmacy shop not far from JJC before Jakpa junction also host a barbing salon. As the Pharmacist gave me the drugs, though I suspected a Toyota Camry 2.2 pencil light, which parked behind my car.

About three guys came out from the car. I took my drug and moved out of the Pharmaceutical shop when we heard sounds… “All of you lie down” Common lie down now”. I fastened my steps and quickly disappeared into the darkness where I watched helplessly from a distance. In less than two minutes they robbed everyone in the baber’s shop but the pharmacist already switched off the light which made it impossible for them to proceed to the Pharmaceutical shop where they almost bracket me.

The moment they drove off towards Jakpa Junction, I entered into my Lexus 350 car which they intended to rob and sped off. At about 8:55pm getting to Effurun Roundabout, I pulled a call across to the Police DPO Ekpan division and told him my experience and the need to beef up security and armed robbers were on rampage in the area. He said he will immediately deploy his men to size up the territory. We must help the police with any available information.

The moment I got home, I received a call at about past 9pm from a comrade that our senior comrade and member representing the good people of Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Reuben Izeze was shot by armed robbers. It could be the same persons who made a failed attempt to rob me about 25minutes ago before the tragic incident of our senior comrade.

We thank the almighty God he is responding to treatment and has been taken to a private hospital. There shall be no loss and God willing, they would all be caught and would be soaked in the pool of their own blood. I’m Comrade Israel Joe and as I have pronounced so shall it be by God.

He remains our shepherd and present help in times of need. I wish Hon Izeze a speedy recovery.

Comr. Israel Joe