Unrest Erupts in Ekoli Edda: A Violent Chapters in Ebonyi State's History
Armed Assailants Strike in Ebonyi, Claiming One Life and Wounding Four
Welcome to the gritty tale unfolding in Ekoli Edda, nestled within Edda Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Sunday saw a fresh wave of chaos as suspected political thugs launched a violent assault on the peaceful locals, leaving one soul lifeless and at least four others battered and bruised.
Inhabitants of this troubled land shudder as they recall the harrowing events that unfolded, confirming that several houses and properties met a brutal end during the attack.
The gruesome tale takes a chilling turn as the victim is identified as Okoro Obasi, a humble resident of Ndibom village. The cruel irony- his death seems to be a result of his family ties to Chima Eni, a former chairman of Edda Local Government Area.
Chima Oko, a community member, narrated the bloodcurdling scene, "A gang of over ten thugs descended upon us around 10 in the morning, indiscriminately firing their weapons and inflicting machete wounds on Obasi's children and their friends. They ambushed Mr Eni later in the day while he was inspecting the destruction."
Ndem Nnachi, another resident, recounts how the notorious local gang, known as Catcham boys, rained bullets on the terrified populace of Mgborokuma. "Three lives were hanging by a thread," he shared grimly, "They've been harassing us since our members returned from prison after getting amnesty from Governor Francis Nwifuru."
With the community quivering on the brink of chaos, Nnachi issued a dire warning, "If the government refuses to act, we may be forced to protect ourselves."
Confirming the attack, former council chairman Chima Eni sees his family's tragedy as a politically motivated attack, stating, "Mr Okoro Obasi, a close relative, bled to death due to the onslaught. His only transgression was his kinship to me and the fact that his son benefited from the state amnesty."
Recalling the barbarous attack on his convoy, Eni recounted, "My Prado SUV was riddled with bullets, and three people with me- Chinoyerem Ikwor, Uka Anya Egwu, and Udu Uche-were injured. They're currently receiving treatment in the hospital."
Eni's plaintive plea for justice reverberates through the halls of power, "Security agencies must arrest those responsible before we are pushed to defend ourselves. Continued provocation might provoke desperate reactions."
While the situation remains perilous, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, has confirmed the deployment of operatives to restore tranquility in the region. However, as of now, no arrests have been made, and tension lingers thickly in the air.
Bonus Reads:
- Ex-Ebonyi Speaker Nwazunku Defects to APC: The political landscape in Ebonyi State has seen another shift as Nwazunku abandons the PDP for the APC, citing his spirit's long-term departure from the party.
- Update on Abuja Estate Attack: A disturbing incident involving gunmen shooting a Catholic priest in Benue underscores the fragile peace in the region.
- Retired Nigerian Army Major Kidnapped in Kogi: A retired major finds himself at the mercy of criminals, highlighting the worsening security situation in Kogi State.
- Gunmen Kill Former PDP Chairman, Three Others in Benue: Another gruesome tale of violence plaguing Benue State as gunmen ruthlessly take the life of a former PDP chairman and three others.
- The violent assault in Ekoli Edda, Ebonyi State, has drawn connections to political affiliations, with Chima Eni, a former chairman, suspecting a politically motivated attack on his relative, Okoro Obasi.
- The local army and police forces have been urged to address the security concerns amidst the escalating violence in the region, as community members threaten self-defense if action is not taken.
- The gravity of the situation is evident in the recent national news, with reports of war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news, including a retired major being kidnapped in Kogi and a Catholic priest getting shot in Abuja.
- The political landscape in Nigeria is also experiencing shifts, with the ex-Ebonyi Speaker, Nwazunku, defecting from the PDP to APC, signifying a broader trend of power struggles and alliances.
- The Nakji populace has been significantly affected by these ongoing events, with individuals like Ndem Nnachi recounting the harassment by local gangs like Catcham boys.
- Despite the confirmed deployment of operatives by Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, no arrests have been made, and the tension in the air remains palpable as the future spells uncertainty for the residents of Ekoli Edda.
