No less than three persons have been confirmed dead following an incident at a betting shop at Aba branch satellite market in Ehime Mbano LGA in Imo state on Friday, April 2.

According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the state police, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, one Chidubem Mbamara walked into a betting shop, played his bet worth six hundred Naira (N600), but unfortunately wasn’t with enough money to pay.

”He paid one hundred and fifty Naira (N150) and deposited his phone, went home to get some money. On his return, he paid four hundred and Naira, making it a total of five hundred and fifty Naira (N550), and promised to pay the balance of Fifty Naira(N50) on a later date. This led to serious altercation between him and one Henry Obi (manager of the bet shop).

Sequel to the altercation, the said Chidubem Mbamara left, only to return some minutes later with a locally made Pistol. He then shot at the said Henry Obi. As a result, three persons were hit by the bullet, Henry Obi, Chibuike Iwunze and Ebuka whose surname is unknown.” the statement in part read

The police spokesperson said the shooting drew the attention of people around, and the mob pounced on Chidubem, beating him to death. Ikeokwu added two of the victims of the gunshot, Henry and Ebuka, died while receiving treatment at the hospital they were rushed to while the third victim, Chibuike, is presently responding to treatment.

”The Command therefore warn members of the public to desist from taking laws into their hands or engaging in “jungle justice”, but to always endeavour to report matters to the appropriate authorities, for necessary action.

Meanwhile, the corpse of the deceased persons have been deposited in the morgue, while investigation has commenced” the statement concluded