It was gathered that the incident occurred in Akwukwu-Igbo community, the headquarters of Oshimili North LGA.
The fleeing gunmen were said to have also opened fire on the cattle and killed three while some cattle fled in different directions of the forest.
It was gathered that the killing had also caused tension in Akwukwu-Igbo community.
The traditional ruler of Akwukwu-Igbo, Obi Azuka, called on law enforcement agencies to find and apprehend the perpetrators, saying, “I want peace in my domain.”
He noted that the gunmen did not give any reason for their action other than warning the herdsmen to vacate the area.
“The vigilante combed the area before they sighted the shallow grave they buried the boy after the unpremeditated murder,” another source told newsmen.
It was gathered that the search team took the corpse of the young boy to the Akwukwu-Igbo Police Station, where the family made a report, and the remains were released to the family for burial on Thursday, according to Islamic rites.
Confirming the development, the Delta State Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed that the assailants were on the run.
“The assailants are on the run, we are on their trail. It is confirmed that the corpse of a herder was unearthed. The family has taken the corpse for Islamic burial,” DSP Edafe said.
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