Unknown gunmen invade Ebonyi community market, kill one

Unknown gunmen on Monday invaded Ngbojiogu Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, killing a young businessman, Mr Ikechukwu Idenyi Ali. The incident occurred at Okwor Market in the community. The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, who spoke with newsmen on Tuesday shortly after visiting the scene, confirmed the death of Idenyi Ali. According to him, multiple gunshots were fired at the young businessman by the gunmen while he was locking up his shop at the popular Okwor Market. He added that the stakeholders of the community will be meeting with security agencies to investigate those behind the killing. He, however, assured the residents of the community and the market traders to go about their normal business as security operatives have been deployed to restore peace and order in the affected area. “On Monday, May 10, 2024, around 10 pm, unknown gunmen came to our village market, Okwor, on a motorbike and shot Mr Ikechukwu Ali while he was locking up his shop at night. “This morning, when I received the information, I quickly went there along with the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon Chinedu Onah, policemen, and other relevant political stakeholders of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, who condemned the gravity of the crime. “When I got there, many youths of that community were engaging in a peaceful demonstration to condemn the painful killing of the man in his shop. After addressing them, I ensured that no life or property was tampered with,” Odono said. When contacted, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said security operatives have been deployed to commence an investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the heinous crime and other killings in the area.