UNKNOWN gun in military uniform, yesterday reportedly abducted the village Head, Deacon John Ulebe Nnaji of Oshiagu Amia Ngbo in Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo Community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Four others were equally abducted alongside the village head at about 2:00 pm on April 1st 2021.
The gunmen who came on motorbikes in their numbers left many persons injured before leaving the affected Community.
An eye witness in the area, Mr Amos Otubo who spoke with Vanguard said they were relaxing at their village square when the gunmen stormed the village in a commando-like fashion and abducted their victims.
“On arrival, the gunmen were seen putting on military uniforms as bike carried three persons. They felt relaxed when saw them, thinking that they were military men on special duty considering the crisis in Effium Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“We were still at the village square taking fresh air and discussing when we suddenly started hearing gunshot everywhere in their village and people started running to take cover.”
According to Amos, while I was where I was hiding, I was able to spot one person’s face who is a member of the village (name withheld). He was the one that led the operation from one house to another.
Still narrating the incident: “The incident that happened in my village today was so terrible. Our village head was kidnapped by unknown gunmen who came with different motorbikes into the village. When we saw them coming my friend who sat next to me said their movement was strange to him and that he was no longer comfortable that he wants to go home but I told him t stay back that nothing will happen.
“Not quite long, we started hearing people screaming on top of their voices, running from one place to another also calling their children to go and hide in a safe place.
“I and my friend had to take cover too because the village had been thrown into confusion.
The gunmen continued shooting for about 45 minutes to 1 hour before they abducted our village Head and four other persons. They would have abducted more if not for the villagers were shouting and screaming on top of their voices. So, they decided to leave with the persons they so far abducted.
“The suspects were equally aware that the youths could mobilize to wage war against them, so they left hastily. We are now living in fear and tension because nobody knows what will happen by tomorrow or when next they will come back.”
Contacted, the State Commissioner of Police who didn’t take his calls but replied a text message: “…Sir unknown gun storm my village this afternoon at about 2:00 PM.
Oshiagu Amia in Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo Community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. They abducted our village, Deacon John Nnaji and four others leaving many persons injured. Information reaching me has the name of the kidnapper’s gang as Gregory Ebe. Thanks for your time Sir.” sent to him: “Too bad, noted for further action.”
Vanguard reliably gathered that the kidnappers also robbed people of their personal belongings before taking their victims away.
A close source to the family of the Village Head explained that one of the abductees had made contact with his family.
According to the source: “One of the abductees (name withheld) said they were taken to Igwelede-oha in Okposhi Ngbo Community in Ohaukwu LGA of the State. The kidnapper’s hideout is in Ejilewe in Ukwagba Ngbo Primary School in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
“The Police had told me to report the matter so that they can take proactive action towards the recovery of the victims.”
As at the time of this report, efforts were on by both the Police and the State Government to ensure the release of the victims.
(Vanguard)
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