Panic gripped the Iboko community in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Tuesday as unidentified gunmen, posing as locals, attacked the area, resulting in the tragic death of at least two security guards. An anonymous eyewitness revealed that the assailants strategically stopped at various points within the community, pretending to be residents as they purchased food items before unleashing violence.
A judiciary worker at the Ebonyi State High Court disclosed on the condition of anonymity that she narrowly escaped being attacked by the hoodlums. According to the source, the gunmen initially halted at a popular filling station in Iboko, where they refueled their vehicles with petrol before perpetrating violence, claiming the lives of two individuals.
The attackers then targeted Ebubeagu operatives, now referred to as Neighbourhood Vigilante members, opening fire and resulting in the fatalities of one Fredrick Idike and another individual. Shockingly, two vigilante members were further attacked with an axe, and their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.
The incident unfolded during Iboko Market day, causing widespread panic and prompting traders to flee for safety. The entire market was reportedly deserted due to the unsettling event.
Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Command acknowledged the loss of two lives. “Yes, it happened. Two lives were lost. But we are still investigating,” stated Ukandu Joshua, the Ebonyi Police Public Relations Officer. The authorities are actively probing the circumstances surrounding the attack.
