Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen on Friday night shot dead two members of Ebubeagu South-East Security Outfit in Ebonyi State.
The incident happened at Ebebe Junction in Abakaliki, capital of the state.
It was gathered that many others sustained bullet injuries.
A source in the area said the gunmen stormed the area around 7:00pm with two motorcycles wearing face masks and opened fire on the Ebubeagu operatives.
The source said: “We heard repeated gunshots at Ebebe Junction. We do hear gunshots at Ebebe junction, but last night’s own was different.
“Unknown gunmen had a clash with Ebubeagu security operatives last night.
We heard that three persons were shot by the unknown gunmen, but we are sure that one person was confirmed dead on the spot,” the source noted.
Another eyewitness that lives close to Ebebe Junction, said: “the unknown gunmen killed two Ebubeagu operatives. The unknown gunmen came with two motorcycles and they covered their faces.
“The unknown gunmen were shooting sporadically and they injured many people, but two persons died on the spot.”
The Security consultant to Ebonyi State government, Mr. Stanley Okoro Emegha, confirmed the incident.
He said: “What do you want me to do now. Can’t you please leave me alone. Leave me alone please. They killed two of my personnel last night and you are calling to ask me what?”
Police spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu also confirmed the incident.
He identified the victims as Igwe Emmanuel, 30 years and Udu Samuel Elekwe, 40 years.
Increased attacks
Ebonyi, like other states in Nigeria’s South-East, has witnessed an increase in deadly attacks lately.
The latest incident occurred less than two weeks after gunmen attacked the convoy of the provost of the newly established Federal College of Education Technical, in Isu, a community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Earlier in October, gunmen killed a Chinese expatriate in Iboko, a community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
In April, gunmen attacked some police officers attached to a construction company in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state. One gunman was killed in the attack.
Gunmen, in May, attacked the country home of the Chairperson of Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, Steve Orogwu, killing three of his relatives.
In June, three people were killed by gunmen in Ngbo Community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
In August, three persons were killed by gunmen who invaded a hotel in Isu, a community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Again, one police officer was killed in August when gunmen attacked a security checkpoint along Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway in Ebonyi State.
Last month, gunmen killed a member of Ebubeagu operatives in Mpuma Ekwa-Oku, a community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
The attacks, mostly targeted at security officials and government facilities, have been attributed to IPOB which is agitating for a sovereign state for the Igbo-speaking people in the South-East.
But the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.
