In a distressing incident in Onicha-Ebia Ikem, Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State, Mr. Chinaza Odumejeogu, a respected catechist of the All Saints Anglican Church, tragically lost his life at the hands of suspected Fulani bandits.
Alongside Mr. Odumejeogu, two other individuals were abducted and remain in the custody of the assailants.
The attack unfolded over the weekend, as the bandits reportedly raided various communities in Ikem. Among the victims were Mr. John Ede and his daughter, taken from their farm in Umueje, Ikem-Etiti on Monday morning.
The situation has plunged the community, a vital hub in Isi-Uzo local government area, into a state of fear and vulnerability, as described by concerned residents who spoke to SaharaReporters.
According to accounts from locals, the violence began on Sunday night with the abduction of Mrs. Benedicta Abonyi from her residence in Ikem-Uno. Fortunately, Mrs. Abonyi managed to escape during an exchange of gunfire involving the police, soldiers, and vigilant community members.
Tragically, Mr. Odumejeogu was not as fortunate. He was seized on his farm on Monday morning, alongside his son who sustained a bullet wound but managed to escape. Mr. Odumejeogu was fatally shot by his captors, his body later discovered in a bush path towards Benue State. His remains were recovered by a joint operation comprising the police, army, and local vigilantes.
Eyewitnesses, including one named Agbo Celestine, recounted the harrowing details, noting the involvement of armed men on motorcycles, believed to be Fulani bandits.The vigilance of a young girl who witnessed the abduction, and the courage of those who engaged the assailants in gunfire, played crucial roles in uncovering the fate of the victims.
Despite efforts to reach out to the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for comment, no response was forthcoming at the time of compiling this report.
The community remains gripped by grief and fear, grappling with the aftermath of this appalling act of violence.
