One Shot Dead ln Enugu Community

ENUGU-Three weeks after some gunmen murdered the President-General of Oruku Town Union in Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State, Chief Linus Nwatu, another native of the community has been killed.

The latest victim was identified as Mr. Chikodili Ngwu from Ameke village in the crisis-torn Oruku community.

Ngwu, a middle-aged man is said to be the ninth on the list of indigenes of the community so far murdered by gunmen believed to be working for some powerful personalities involved in the protracted communal conflict in the area.

Sources made available to newsmen disclosed that the victim was gunned down at about 8am on Sunday by yet to be identified assailants within the Oruku market square.

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Further details could not be ascertained by press time but it was gathered that the gunmen fled the scene after the gunshot, throwing the residents into panic.

However, sources said the incessant killings in Oruku has forced many residents to relocate their families to neighbouring communities and towns such as Idodo, Akpoga, Onuogba and Emene.

The residents, as gathered, are more worried by the inability of the Enugu State government and security agencies to bring those behind the bloodletting to justice. Earlier reports said some of the suspects apprehended in connection with past attacks were released without trial, a development that has heightened insecurity in the area.

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Reports made available to newsmen reveals that the President-General of the town, Chief Nwatu, a retired police officer, was shot dead in the early hours of Saturday, August 20, 2022 by the rampaging gunmen at his residence in Oruku.

Before then, seven other natives of the community including the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Mba were gruesomely murdered at different times from year 2020 to 2022.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Daniel Ndukwe, said he was yet to be briefed about the development, promising to get back after contacting relevant officers in-charge of the area.