Gunmen kill five police officers in Ebonyi

The capital of Ebonyi State, Abakaliki was thrown into a state of mourning early on Friday following the deaths of five police officers at the hands of gunmen. 

The unfortunate occurrence happened at Ebyia bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road at around five in the morning, according to local sources.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command had yet to comment on the sad tragedy. 

In recent weeks, the active of gunmen in Ebonyi State has increased and become rampant with both civilians and security officers falling victim. 

Last week, Allnews.ng reported that two security guards and two others were killed by gunmen in the Iboko community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to reports from the community, the gunmen disguised as natives of the area stopped at a local market and bought food items before unleashing an attack on the people.

Following the attack, several people, including the traders and school children scampered for safety. An eyewitness, who works in Abakiliki, confirmed the incident, saying she narrowly missed being a victim

“The unknown gunmen first stopped at a popular filling station at Iboko and filled their vehicles before killing two persons there. They moved to where Neighbourhood Vigilante members were and opened fire on them, killing one Fredrick Idike and another person.

“They equally used an axe to slice two of the vigilante members, whose bodies have been deposited in the nearest morgue.

“Yesterday was Iboko Market and the ugly incident made the traders start running for safety. The whole market was deserted because of the ugly incident.”

The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ukandu Joshua confirmed the incident. 

Joshua said: “Yes, it happened. Two lives were lost. But we are still investigating.”

In another sad occurrence, the Ebonyi State Police Command initiated an investigation into the murder of Louis Enoshi, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator in Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area. 

DSP Joshua Ukandu, the command's Public Relations Officer, disclosed to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday that the incident took place on Wednesday.

Ukandu assured that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the perpetrators' identities and ensure justice. 

According to a resident, Monday Nweke, the victim was fatally shot at his residence on Wednesday morning.

“It’s a pity that Louis is no more; it’s too bad. The perpetrators should not go unpunished. This is a young man who has been working hard to make a living.

“I urge the police to ensure that the suspects are arrested and brought to book,” Nweke added.