Gunmen dressed in military camouflage launched a deadly attack on Agba community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Sunday evening, leaving two persons dead.
According to Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command has commenced a full investigation into the incident. He confirmed that police operatives have been deployed to restore peace in the area, urging residents to remain calm.
The Chairperson of Ishielu Local Government Area, Mrs. Peace Agwu, initially confirmed the attack via a Facebook post, expressing grief over what she described as a senseless act of violence. However, the post was later deleted.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the gunmen stormed the community around 6 p.m., demanding to know the whereabouts of a “commissioner.” When their questions went unanswered, they reportedly opened fire indiscriminately.
Victims of the brutal attack include Sunday Onyibe, identified as the Chairman of the Tipper Union, and another yet-to-be-identified man who had recently returned from abroad. Reports say the second victim was on a motorbike making a phone call when he was approached. He refused to hand over his phone, prompting the attackers to shoot him and steal his bike.
The assailants also looted a phone shop, carting away multiple mobile devices.
A community member, simply identified as Ben, recounted that the attackers had masked faces and were clad in military uniforms.
“They came asking for the commissioner. When they didn’t get a response, they started shooting. Sunday Onyibe died on the spot,”.
Ben
Despite visits from the local council chairman and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ishielu Division, the Agba community remains in shock over the violent invasion.
This tragic incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks in Southeast Nigeria, raising security concerns and calls for swift justice and increased surveillance in vulnerable communities.
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