ABAKALIKI – Two operatives of Ebubeagu Security outfit are feared killed by gunmen who attacked their checkpoint in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, Friday night.
The incident, it was gathered, occured at checkpoint located at the popular Ebebe Junction.
The incident, which also led to many residents of the area sustaining varying degrees of injuries, while scampering for safety, has caused palpable fears among the citizenry.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the development.
An eyewitness, who spoke our Reporter, on condition of anonymity, stated that, “It was last night around 9.30 p.m. I passed through that place and a full compliment of Ebubeagu operatives cordoned the location.
“The victims were taken to the Alex Ekuweme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki 2, and before they could get there, two of the victims died while others with bullet injuries are now receiving treatment.
“Everybody around the location of the incident, went inside their houses for fear of becoming victims.”
“Their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary of the AE-FUTHA, the eyewitness said.
Another sympathizer of the victims wrote, “at about 7pm yesterday, the 18th day of November 2022, some hoodlums numbering about 8 in number, riding on motor bikes & bearing AK 47 rifles, attacked a checking point of Ebubeagu operatives at Ebebe Junction, in Abakaliki, shot and killed 2 operatives.
“Igwe Emmanuel from Ohaozara LGA and Udu Samuel Elekwa from Afikpo South LGA Ebonyi State. Both of the men were very jolly good fellows, full of life and hope.
“Udu Samuel Elekwa is married with 3 children and a young wife. Igwe Emmanuel is the beloveth child of his parents. They died doing the job they were employed to do; keeping the peace.
“The opposition will not spread this message because it’s not about disparaging the state government.
People’s children, brothers father and loved ones were shot and killed and the people that always carry Ebubeagu matter on their heads are mute.
“Where’s our conscience as a people? as a society?The police & her sister security agencies must put every resources to use to apprehend the culprits. They must face the wrath of the law as they should.”
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Government, has condemned the killing of the security operatives, describing it gruesome.
The Special Security Consultant to the State Government, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, stated this on Saturday, adding an exhaustive investigation had commenced into the matter with a view of fishing out the perpetrators.
He said, “This is quite unfortunate, unwarranted and totally unacceptable. We have commenced a thorough investigation and there are reliable information that the heinous crime was committed by the unknown gunmen and opposition political party in the state.
“The information on our desk may still be sketchy but we are assuring the deceased, their families and the general public of a detailed investigation in order to make the perpetrators of this inglorious act face the full weight of the law. For the umpteenth time, anyone behind this dastardly act must pay in full.
“It is regrettable that we are losing these able bodied men who are sacrificing so much to ensure that the efforts of our Governor, Chief David Nweze Umahi in promoting peace do not hit the brick wall. You know when men of Ebubeagu are killed, the opposition with her cronies keep a sealed lips as if these men are not brothers or humans.
“As we sincerely commiserate with the families and loved ones of these young men killed in cold blood, we are also praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.”
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