Gunmen Attack Umu-Ezuboke Umualor Community in Enugu State, Four Hospitalized

On Saturday, gunmen launched a violent attack on the Umu-Ezuboke Umualor community in the Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State. The assault has left no less than four individuals hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.

One of the victims, Mr. Methodist Ejiagbo, recounted the harrowing experience from his hospital bed. Ejiagbo revealed that three months ago, a group of men from Abakaliki had threatened to invade his home and seize his property. “They said they would kill me and take over my house and land,” Ejiagbo stated. Among the group was a man named Friday Ukeh, who had specifically targeted Ejiagbo’s house, calling it “the most beautiful house around.”

Ejiagbo described the attack in detail, explaining that he saw two Hilux vans and a Sienna bus with occupants dressed in police-like uniforms. The attackers initially confiscated phones and machetes from locals returning from the farm but spared the young boys, identifying them as not being from Umu-Ezuboke.

The violence erupted around 11 pm when the gunmen returned, shooting indiscriminately and assaulting residents with cutlasses and clubs. Ejiagbo noted that the assailants, who included individuals named Samuel Idenyi, Samuel Ede, Tubor, Friday Ukeh, and Mark Anyigor, were well-known to him. The attackers, numbering over 20, included both Amankanu and Abakaliki people, indicating a coordinated effort between the two groups.

Ejiagbo also mentioned a mysterious talisman brought by the attackers three days prior, which he initially mistook for a sack of Garri but later realized was a bullet sack. Despite warning the community, no preemptive action was taken.

As of now, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, has yet to confirm the incident.