In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers belonging to the esteemed 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Enugu State, found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange of gunfire with the local neighbourhood watch group in the tranquil Eke community. The intense clash unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Udi Local Government Area, leaving onlookers stunned and the situation on edge.
It has been reported that a man and his wife were purportedly shot and killed, while another individual, identified as Chinedu Okolo, suffered severe injuries resulting in the complete shattering of his penis.
Several individuals who were part of the local security network and managed to survive the attack are said to be in critical condition at a hospital whose location has not been disclosed.
During an exclusive interview with esteemed journalists, Emeka Anigbo, the Assistant Chief Security Officer of Eke Security Neighbourhood Vigilante Watch, bravely recounted the harrowing events that unfolded on Thursday night at the infamous 9th Mile Corner. Despite enduring multiple gunshot wounds, Anigbo fearlessly shared his firsthand account of the incident.
During a recent interview, Anigbo revealed that they had embarked on a mission to express their support and congratulations to their fellow colleagues who were being officially sworn in as members of the local neighbourhood watch. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when they received an urgent distress call. It was reported that a group of armed robbers had barricaded the main road that connects the well-known Catholic Church Prayer Centre (Ugwudinso) and Eke, originating from Ama breweries.
He recounted how they immediately abandoned their tantalising spread of food and refreshing beverages upon receiving the urgent call. With unwavering determination, they hastily embarked on a mission to confront the nefarious individuals responsible. However, their valiant efforts were thwarted as the heavy gridlock on the road rendered their vehicles immobile, preventing them from reaching the scene in a timely manner.
In a recent account, the individual recounted their encounter with a group of armed soldiers. According to their statement, they made the decision to park their vehicle alongside the road before proceeding towards their intended destination. As they approached the scene, they were startled to discover three soldiers brandishing weapons, who promptly commanded them to halt in a forceful manner.
In a display of compliance, we dutifully adhered to the soldiers' orders, promptly halting our movements. With a calm yet assertive tone, we informed them that we were individuals actively engaged in the noble pursuit of safeguarding our community as dedicated members of the neighbourhood watch programme. At that juncture, a request was made for our continued presence.
In a harrowing encounter, our team approached the location where the soldiers were positioned, only to be met with a barrage of gunfire. Tragically, this unprovoked attack claimed the life of one of our esteemed members, as well as the wife of an individual who had recently been inaugurated at the 9th Mile. In a daring journey back to Eke, a woman found herself astride a motorbike, accompanied by her husband.
It has been reported that despite the individuals being in their full security uniform and having properly identified themselves, a group of soldiers displayed an alarming level of aggression by opening fire at close range. This reckless action resulted in the untimely demise of both Mr. Oke and the unidentified woman.
In a shocking turn of events, a distressing incident unfolded as an individual found themselves at the receiving end of multiple gunshots while lying defenceless on the ground. Despite the clear visibility of their identification card and unmistakable uniform, one of the soldiers involved callously proceeded to inflict yet another gunshot wound, this time targeting the victim's shoulder.
A soldier persistently struck my chest while menacingly uttering the chilling words, "I will end your life today."
My life was saved thanks to the prompt arrival of police operatives from the 9th Mile corner. In a significant development, it was the police who intercepted the soldier, thereby providing concrete evidence that indeed the individuals in question are none other than the esteemed Eke neighbourhood security guards.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Post, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, vehemently refuted the accounts provided by the victims, dismissing them as nothing but falsehoods.
According to Unuakhalu, the woman who tragically lost her life was fatally struck by a stray bullet amidst a fierce exchange of gunfire between armed hoodlums and the soldiers.
In a statement, he revealed that a distress call had been received by the troops, alerting them to the presence of criminal elements operating along the Eke road. Without hesitation, they swiftly mobilised and made their way to the scene.
It has been reported that upon the soldiers' arrival, the hoodlums immediately initiated gunfire. However, the security operatives swiftly retaliated, overpowering the assailants. As a result, one of the criminals was apprehended, while two pump-action guns and a quantity of live ammunition were successfully seized. It is worth noting that a few of the culprits managed to escape by seeking refuge in a nearby bush.
In a statement, he vehemently denied the allegations circulating that the deceased was killed by soldiers, asserting that there is absolutely no truth to such claims.
In a swift response to a distress call, our brave men sprang into action, rushing to the scene to salvage the situation.
Tragically, the untimely demise of the woman has left us without the invaluable firsthand account that she would have provided, offering a precise and detailed narrative of the events that unfolded.
In a statement, he emphasised the Division's commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident in order to uncover the truth behind the events that unfolded.