Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen on Tuesday night shot dead a 48-year-old man, Mr. Micheal Nnaji, a native of Amuri in Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State residing in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The victim, who is said to be a businessman, is also a member of the local security in Ngbo Community.
He was shot twice by the hoodlums who invaded his business area at about 9:45pm Tuesday night.
A source in the area said that the hoodlums numbering 2 operated with a motorcycle and were also masked.
The source, a family member, said the two youngmen zoomed into the compound from different directions.
“One came in from the front door while the other came in from the back door.
Immediately, they made their way to the parlour where Mike was relaxing and shot him twice.
“Immediately I heard the gunshot, I rushed out from the backyard and one of them grabbed me, collected my phone and was dragging me to the house but as God would have it, I freed myself from him and ran to the nearby compound.
“As a result of the gunshot, most of the residents of the area all scampered for safety living him and the hoodlums. After shooting him, the hoodlums set him ablaze inside the house and zoomed off.
“Out of fear, nobody came around for his rescue and his corpse was severely burnt. Other household items including two deep freezers, television sets, chairs, tables, fan, cooking utensils, cash and other items were all completely burnt,” the source said.
The source maintained that the victim who has been residing in the community for a good number of years now before his death has been a quiet and jovial man and wondered why people will mete out such barbaric act on him.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident.
He said that on getting the information, he contacted the Ohaukwu Police Divisional Headquarters and the team immediately moved to the scene of the incident for investigation.
Mr Ukandu assured that the Police will carry out indepth investigation into the crime and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
Meanwhile the remains of the deceased has been evacuated from the scene of the incident to the Ezzamgbo General Hospital mortuary.
It was gathered that Ohaukwu Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Odono, has also visited the scene of the incident.