A wave of fear has engulfed Ekoli in Edda Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, following a deadly attack at midday by suspected members of the “Catcham Boys” militia, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.
Eyewitnesses report that the group, allegedly supported by some soldiers and police officers, stormed the home of Udu Nnachi Uzor in Ndenworo village.
His wife, Onyinye, recounted the harrowing moment:
“They moved straight into the room and shot him dead. He was shot by one of the Catcham members known as ‘Deri’.”
Uzor’s body has since been taken to the morgue, according to local reports.
Community leader Chief Etta Egor condemned the group’s actions, saying:
“We sighted them going into the villages armed with pump-action rifles in the company of policemen and soldiers. We were wondering what the problem was this time around.”
He described the devastating aftermath:
“Suddenly, we started hearing gunshots and when we rushed to the house of Nnachi Uzor, he had dropped dead already. We met the wife and family members crying. We don’t know the crime Ekoli has committed that the government has allowed these people to be attacking and killing our innocent youths like this?”
Reports also indicate that a MAC truck belonging to former local government chairman was commandeered during the attack and remains missing.
This incident follows earlier assaults last month by suspected political thugs in the community, which resulted in one death and widespread property destruction.
A former council chairman and ex-House of Assembly member, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, along with his younger brother, reportedly escaped a similar attack though their vehicle was riddled with bullets.
In the aftermath, the brothers were banished for seven years by certain community members, accused of instigating communal violence. Tensions have escalated with the latest killing.
