There is palpable fear and apprehension in some parts of Abakalaiki metropolis, Ebonyi State capital city, following the continued killing of operatives of the South-East Security Network, Ebubeagu, Ebonyi State Command.
Two operatives of the local security outfit were on Friday night shot dead by unknown gunmen in Abakaliki.
The gunmen shot dead two members of the security outfit along the ever-busy Ebebe junction in Abakaliki.
LEADERSHIP gathered that many others sustained various degrees of injuries while trying to escape during the attack.
A source in the area, who spoke on the ground of anonymity, said the hooded gunmen stormed the area around 7:00pm with two motorcycles 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 incident 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 said.
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 eyewitness further stated that the Friday night incident devastated residents of the area as the presence of the security network in the area has restored peace and security in the area.
He wondered why the operatives should be the target of attack by the unknown gunmen despite their effort to ensure the security of lives and properties of the people even as he urged relevant authorities to fish out the perpetrators of the act.
LEADERSHIP gathered that no fewer than 30 operatives of the local security outfit have been killed this year.
When contacted, the Security Consultant to the State government, Mr. Stanley Okoro Emegha, confirmed the incident.
A devastated Emegha 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?”
Ebonyi State Police spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu, also confirmed the incident.
He identified the deceased victims as Igwe Emmanuel, 30, and Udu Samuel Elekwe, 40.
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