JUST IN : Gunmen attack DIG Frank Mbah’s residence, kill officer

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have attacked the residence  of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mbah, in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The assailants, who struck around 7 p.m. on Thursday, killed a police officer stationed at the residence before fleeing with his rifle.

Community members told reporters that the attackers attempted to break into the house but were resisted by the officer on duty.

A source from the community recounted, “When the security guard raised an alarm, the assailants killed him, collected his rifle, and disappeared into the bush. We suspect that it was the same assailants who killed a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Mathew Eya, on Friday evening in Eha-Ndiagu, a neighbouring community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

“It is not clear whether the gunmen wanted to abduct the mother of the DIG Mbah, but what I can tell you is that these kidnappers have been operating close to Mbah’s house. They have successfully kidnapped people on two occasions, very close to the house, less than 500 metres from it. There have been constant kidnapping activities around that area, and the perpetrators are believed to be herdsmen.

“But they had not killed anyone until this recent incident; maybe it is because they were challenged. Our people see those guys regularly; the people mining sand and gravel see them regularly, but you know we have a weak security system.”

The source added that the slain officer had opened the gate when the gunmen struck. “They just came and when the security guard, a policeman, who was killed, opened the gate, they shot him, and before the people around could raise an alarm, they had disappeared. They just killed the security guard and collected his rifle. Actually, it is not only one security guard who secures his house; I believe the other officers were absent during the attack. The security operatives in the house did not anticipate anything.”

He further linked the incident to the killing of Rev Fr Eya, saying, “They collected the gun, and a Reverend Father was killed the next day along Eha-Ndiagu Road in the neighbouring community. We believe that it is the same network of kidnappers that was operating within that axis. So, there are very serious security threats around those areas. There are marauders around those areas.”

Another resident criticized the police response, saying, “You know, the police, in their way, after the attack, they saw someone who had gotten himself drunk passing, and they arrested him, saying that he might be among the assailants. But we know the man, he is not one of the attackers, but they (policemen) must show that they are working. Nobody from Ezimo community will nurse evil against Frank Mbah. He is our pride.”

The attack has heightened tension in Ezimo and neighbouring communities. Attempts to reach the Enugu State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, as spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe did not answer calls or respond to text messages.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)