Tension In Enugu As Gunmen Open Fire, Gun Down Policemen, Others

Tragedy struck Igga community in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State as a gang of marauding hoodlums attacked security operatives.

Among the casualties were two policemen and three Neighbourhood Watch Group members. Additionally, one villager lost their life in the ensuing chaos following a security operation in the area.

According to reports, the hoodlums launched their assault on Friday evening, targeting security operatives stationed at Ada Rice Production Nigeria Limited, a farm settlement near the community. This attack occurred after suspected ESN members conducted operations to deter herders who had previously attacked the nearby Nimbo community.

In response to the violence, soldiers and policemen allegedly invaded the community the following night, setting houses ablaze and engaging in sporadic shootings. A distressing video circulated online, revealing the extent of the destruction, with buildings engulfed in flames and properties looted.

A voice heard in the background of the video said: “This is Igga Community being burnt down by the military and the police from Adani Division. “They are burning houses and shooting sporadically and on people. The community is in danger. Come to our aid. We are not safe. They are shooting at us”.

Subsequently, women and children from the community staged a protest, capturing widespread attention on social media platforms.

A villager, speaking anonymously, recounted the harrowing ordeal, detailing how security forces razed numerous houses and shops. Tragically, one villager, Richard Okoye, lost his life while attempting to flee from the violence.

Confirming the casualties, the Enugu Police Command condemned the “unprovoked and unwarranted attack” by criminal elements within the Igga Community. According to the command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, the security team, accompanied by investors from Lagos, was ambushed by the assailants during a tour of an agricultural investment site.

Despite efforts to rescue the victims, including an ASP and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, the attackers managed to escape with the lives of two policemen and three Neighbourhood Watch Group members. However, following intensive investigations and search operations, the bodies of the slain operatives were discovered in the forest, confirming their deaths.