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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The Abaceke clan in Egbema in Ohaji / Egbema council of Imo state has been gripped with palpable fear and anxiety following the killings of four young men by gunmen.
The ugly incident has resulted in many residents fleeing their homes in the violence prone community.
The assailants who were reportedly dressed in military fatigue and riding on motorcycles, had stormed the Community in the evening of Friday and started shooting sporadically leaving four persons dead, with several others sustaining varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A source from the community who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the attack were carried out by cultists on a revenge mission .
He said: ” This unfortunate kiling is the handiwork of cultists who are possibly on revenge mission. Some time ago some boys who are members of a rival cult group were killed.”
The source accused politicians of Egbema clans from arming the cultists and used them as their private army to either intimidate or kill their opponents.
” It is the politicians from Egbema clans who have comtinued to arm these hoodlums and use them as their private army to intimidate or eliminate their rivals . This is why the killings have not abated. If per chance those who committed this heinous crime are apprehended it is the same politicians who are their sponsors will get them out from the police detention. This is why we have continued to witness this kind of killings every time .” He lamented .
Confirming the grim development, the Imo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement stated that the victims sustained gunshot wounds and were swiftly transported to a medical facility.
According to him, all four young men succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
He stated that in response to the crisis, the Police Tactical Team was swiftly deployed to the scene, and restored calm and order to the affected community.
“On 8/03/2024 at about 1830hrs, the hoodlums swiftly attacked Abacheke Community in their numbers, riding motorcycles and firing sporadically during which five residents were seriously hit.
“In a swift response, the Area Commander in charge of Ohaji Egbema and other tactical teams mobilized to the scene, the victims were immediately rushed to the hospital where four were confirmed dead on arrival, while one is currently receiving medical treatment at the Hospital. Intense operation is ongoing in the area,” the police statement noted.
The police added that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to fish out the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly act, noting that the culprits will face the full wrath of the law.
The Command called on the general public, particularly the residents of Ohaji/Egbema who may have any useful information that will assist the Police in the investigation to kindly report at the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600.
“Let us collaboratively work towards stamping out violent crimes in the State.
“CP Danjuma commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and vowed that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book,” the statement said.
