JUST-IN: Suspected Armed Robbers Kill Ebonyi Commissioner’s Sibling

Suspected armed robbers have shot dead a middle-aged man identified as Mr Christopher Igwe, popularly known as Bombay, who is also the immediate younger brother of the State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uche Igwe.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the commissioner, who hails from the Idembia Ishieke community in Ebonyi Local Government Area, said that the incident has thrown the entire family into mourning.

An eyewitness who also confirmed the killing said the deceased and his other siblings were at their compound around 8pm, arranging to attend the Christian wake in honour of one of their relations who passed recently, when the incident occurred.

“A domestic gas dealer ran to them to report that he had just been robbed by armed robbers who drove away on two motorcycles. Just then, the robbers, who apparently had missed their escape route, turned back. Their victim raised an alarm to alert the general public. Sensing danger, the armed robbers started firing randomly at them as they drove away.

“The deceased and the gas dealer who sustained bullet wounds at sensitive parts of their bodies were rushed to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where doctors confirmed the commissioner’s younger brother dead while the other victim is said to be still nursing the bullet injuries,” he said.

A post by the Commissioner reads, “My immediate younger brother was killed by armed robbers around 8:30 pm this night. The Igwe Egbarada family is in grief. We need your prayers.”

At the Igwe Egbaradas’ home in Ishieke, many sympathisers were seen in clusters discussing the unfortunate incident, as grief, sorrow, and tears were visible on their faces.

Also confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the command was informed of the incident and its personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime.

Ukandu added that the armed robbers have unfortunately escaped before the arrival of the operatives.

He maintained that the matter is currently under investigation and assured that the perpetrators of the act would be arrested and prosecuted.