Ben Ezechime, Ezugwu
The Aguibeje Community in Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been thrown into mourning following an attack by gunmen in the early hours of Saturday, which left two vigilante members dead and several residents abducted.
Sources also suggested that the primary target of the attackers was the Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Aguibeje, Rev. Fr. Innocent Ugwuoke, who narrowly escaped death during the invasion.
The gunmen reportedly sneaked into the community under the cover of darkness and headed straight for the priest’s residence, believed to have been their main objective.
Rev. Fr. Ugwuoke was said to have quickly alerted members of the local vigilante group and neighbourhood watch, who mobilised in response to the distress call.
However, the ill-equipped and unprepared vigilantes, who moved to confront the attackers, reportedly ran into an ambush. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two vigilante operatives were fatally shot, while another sustained injuries and was later rushed to a nearby health centre for medical attention.
The sounds of gunshots reportedly sent panic across the community, drawing residents out of their homes as the attackers attempted to flee.
Before escaping, the gunmen abducted two residents, identified as Mr. Patrick Eze and his daughter, further deepening fears among locals.
Aguibeje community is a border town linking Enugu and Kogi states, with vast forest areas believed to serve as hideouts for criminal elements.
