GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers launched a deadly attack on the residence of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, in Ezimo Community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, killing a police officer on duty.
News Point Nigeria gathered that the daring assault, which occurred at about 7:00pm on Thursday evening, has thrown the community into panic and sparked renewed fears about worsening insecurity in the South-East.
According to multiple community sources, the assailants, who were heavily armed, stormed the quiet Ezimo neighbourhood under the cover of darkness and attempted to gain access to DIG Mbah’s residence.
“When the security guard noticed strange movements and raised an alarm, they shot him immediately, took his rifle, and escaped into the bush,” a community leader told reporters.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved with precision, suggesting they had carried out prior surveillance.
Community members believe the same gang was behind the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, on Friday evening in nearby Eha-Ndiagu, Nsukka Local Government Area.
“It is the same group terrorising us. They have kidnapped several people close to the DIG’s house in the past, sometimes just 500 metres away but they had never killed anyone until now,” another resident said.
He lamented that despite several reports of kidnappers operating freely in the area, security presence remains minimal.
“We see these criminals regularly. Even the sand and gravel miners know them. But the system is weak nothing is done until something tragic like this happens,” he added.
“Nobody in Ezimo will ever wish DIG Frank Mbah harm. He is our pride. This is the work of outsiders. We are living in fear,” one local resident said.
Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Command for an official statement proved abortive as the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls or messages as at press time.
