A shocking incident unfolded on Monday night in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, when a yet-to-be-identified Hausa trader allegedly slapped an indigene into a coma. The shocking attack, reportedly aided by a charm, left the victim lifeless for several minutes, triggering a swift and brutal response from the local youths.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, collapsed after the trader struck him with a slap, the force of which sent him into unconsciousness. What followed was a swift and violent retaliation by a group of youths who found the trader responsible. They beat him severely, demanding that he revive the victim.
The suspect, visibly shaken by the overwhelming anger from the crowd, was reportedly forced to use water to resuscitate the victim, who, after regaining consciousness, fled the scene upon hearing that the police had been alerted. The youths, still seething with anger, had nearly killed the trader if not for the timely arrival of law enforcement.
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A local source close to the scene described the events leading up to the altercation, stating that the argument had stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid debt. “It appears the indigene refused to pay for what he had bought, leading to an argument that escalated into the slap,” the eyewitness said. “The victim appeared to be dead, and the youths took matters into their own hands, beating up the Hausa trader until he revived the unconscious man.”
As more Hausa traders gathered at the scene, they remained silent, likely fearing they would face the same fate if they expressed support for their fellow trader’s actions. The community’s response underscored the intense emotions surrounding the event.
While police were eventually called to the scene and took the trader into custody, sources within the force have been cautious about confirming his status. An officer said, “Yes, the suspect was brought to the station last night. But as of this morning, I cannot confirm whether he remains in police custody or if he has been released.”
This violent incident has sparked heated discussions across the community and beyond, shedding light on underlying tensions and the harsh realities of vigilantism and public justice.
