Gunmen kill businessman, set body ablaze in Ebonyi

Gunmen have k!lled a 48-year-old businessman and member of the local security, Michael Nnaji, and set his body ablaze at Amaka Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state. 

The native of Amuri in Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State was said to have been shot twice by the hoodlums who invaded his business area at about 9:45 pm on Tuesday night, October 29, 2024.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident to the punch on Wednesday, said on getting the information, he contacted the Ohaukwu Police Divisional Headquarters and the team immediately moved to the scene for an investigation.

“Yes, The Ohaukwu Divisional Police Officer called me and informed me about it; and immediately, our men moved to the scene," the PPRO stated. 

“We have launched an investigation into the incident, although no arrest has been made. But we are investigating the matter.”

Ukandu added that he had yet to be briefed on the details of the incident and assured the community that the command would carry out an in-depth investigation into the crime and ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted.

A family source, who spoke on the grounds of anonymity said the gunmen numbering two operated with a motorcycle and were also masked.

“We were at the shop, at about 9:45 pm, and the two young men zoomed into the compound wearing masks. One came in from the front door, while the other came in from the back door. Immediately, they made their way to the parlour where Mike was relaxing and shot him twice," the source said. 

“Immediately I heard the gunshot, I rushed out from the backward and one of them grabbed me, collected my phone and dragged me to the house but as God would have it, I freed myself from him and ran to the nearby compound.

“As a result of the gunshot, most of the residents of the area scampered for safety leaving him and the gunmen. After shooting him, they set him ablaze inside the house and zoomed off.”

He said out of fear, nobody came around for his rescue and his corpse was severely burnt. while other household items including two deep freezers, television sets, chairs, tables, fan, cooking utensils, cash and other items were all completely burnt.

The family source maintained that the deceased, who had been residing in the community for a good number of years, was a quiet and jovial man and wondered why people would carry out such barbaric acts on him.

The community leader who also spoke on grounds of anonymity, called on security agencies to ensure justice was served on the perpetrators of the crime adding that the incessant killings in the area were becoming alarming.