Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen have killed two residents of Agba community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, sparking renewed fear and tension among locals.
The town union president, Sunday Chukwu Nwadibia, confirmed the incident and identified the victims as Sunday Oyibe, a school proprietor and chairman of the local timber association; and Chukwu Ebuka.
According to Nwadibia, Agba community has suffered a series of armed attacks in the past year, resulting in multiple deaths and losses of property and cash amounting to millions of naira.
He revealed that prior to the latest attack, a POS operator was robbed of N2.7 million by the same gang. The attackers, he said, usually operate at night, wearing military camouflage and bulletproof vests—tactics that often deceive residents into thinking they were genuine security operatives.
“In previous incidents, they snatched a Toyota Corolla and five motorcycles from our people,” Nwadibia said.
“On the night of the attack, I was in my office when people started running, shouting that armed robbers were at our junction. I locked my office when I saw what was happening.”
He said the assailants advanced to Orie Agba, a junction near his house, and began shooting indiscriminately.
“They shot Sunday Oyibe, the founder of Unique International School and chairman of the timber association. We rushed him to the hospital, but he didn’t make it. They also shot Chukwu Ebuka, who eyewitnesses said was trying to protect his iPhone.”
Nwadibia recalled a similar incident in January 2024, when gunmen sprayed his residence with bullets but spared his family members.
He added that only last month, a man was abducted at the community market by suspected members of the same gang.
“These men always mask their faces and wear military uniforms with bulletproof vests. Since these attacks began, our people no longer move about at night. Businesses have collapsed. Once it gets dark, the entire community goes silent,” he lamented.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the killings but said details were still being gathered.
“Yes, I am aware something happened in Ishielu, but I will contact the DPO for full details,” Ukandu said.
Efforts to get a response from the Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Esther Agwu, were unsuccessful as she declined to comment on the incident.
