Gunmen Attack Vigilante Office, Kill Female Operative in Ebonyi

female vigilante operative in Ebonyi state, Onwe Blessing Onana, was killed on Tuesday, January 17, when gunmen attacked the office of a local security outfit. It was gathered that another guard sustained injuries in the attack on the Office of Ngboejeogu Central Security at Ngbo Court in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state. The chairman of Ohaukwu local government area, Odono Onwe confirmed the attacks. He said that the attack claimed the life of a security personnel, left one injured, some properties, and a motorcycle carted away by the hoodlums. Odono noted that several times, security men in the local government area have been battered, humiliated, abused, and murdered gruesomely by some unidentified gunmen. He said the attacks have continued to demoralize the frantic efforts of the vigilantes in safeguarding the localities. He stated: “Sorrowfully, we mourn and console the families of the departed security personnel that lost her life in active duty, the one that is injured, operatives of Ngboejeogu Central Security, Ngboejeogu Clan, and entire Ohaukwu.” He noted that effort had been put in place by security operatives to ensure that the culprits of the heinous crime were apprehended and brought to justice. He added: “Our resolve to achieve peace in Ohaukwu Local Government can never be undermined by anybody, we urge our people to be vigilant in their environment and report any illegal movement to the nearest police station. Ohaukwu is the land of God and such calamity shall never befall us again. Amen.”

Reacting, the Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth condemned the armed attack, describing it as barbaric and unfortunate. The Youths in a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the group, Mr George Umeh said that the killing was coming about three weeks to the first year anniversary of the murder of one Elom Chinonso (a.k.a Oscar). The group noted that the current situation in Ngbo where there is a total lack of vigilantes or security checkpoints in the entire 10 autonomous communities was also highly condemnable. It stated: “The Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth will work closely with government authorities, the Ngbo Leaders Council and all concerned persons to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are made to face the law.” The group called on the state government and the hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force to hasten efforts on the resuscitation of the Police Area Command in Ngbo and the establishment of an effective community policing structure in the entire Ngbo land.

Source: The Nation