In the midst of nation wide insecurity currently ravaging Nigeria, tragedy struck again for the third time in Oruku community, Nkanu East local government council, Enugu State on Wednesday after the murder of the vice chairman of the town union, Chief Samuel Ani in cold blood by unknown gunmen.
Chief Ani was allegedly shot dead on Wednesday morning which led to a wide destruction across the community. Over 70 buildings in the community was razed by invaders before they reportedly fled the area after security forces intervention.
Same incident occurred on December 26, 2020, when gunmen decked in police uniforms from Abuja invaded the town union meeting, killing the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Mba, leaving scores with injuries.
A few weeks after, in January this year, another set of gunmen invaded the community at a weekend, shooting sporadically and setting ablaze some targets. Many residents fled the village after that episode.
Although a detachment of security personnel was stationed in the community after the second attack to forestall further killings and burning of houses, shootings had not abated in the community. A community leader, Mr Agozie Anih who spoke to reporters on Wednesday said; Chief Ani was shot and killed Wednesday morning in his home.
“There was heavy shooting throughout the night. Police deployed to maintain peace were nowhere to be found,” Anih said. “This morning Chief Samuel Ani of Oruku caretaker committee was shot and killed in his home.”
The Chairman Neighborhood watch group, Mr Emmanuel Ndubuisi Ani also confirmed the killing of Chief Ani, saying “the same people who conspired with policemen from Abuja and killed our monarch, burnt our houses have also killed the Vice chairman, Oruku Caretaker Committee setup by Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
“As I am speaking with you, we are taking his body to the mortuary in Enugu State capital.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police in Enugu state, Mohammed Aliyu confirmed the incident.
“Yes, I have received the report and I have dispatched my men to the area with the aim of ensuring that there are no further casualties”, he said.
Aliyu stated that details about the incident were still sketchy; assuring that he would brief reporters as soon as he received full information on the matter.
It was gathered that the killing of the Town Union Vice Chairman may not be unconnected with the ongoing judicial panel of inquiry set up by the government to probe into the killing of the Oruku traditional ruler among other uprisings in the community.
A source revealed that the town union is billed to make its presentation at the panel on Thursday, adding that the killing is part of efforts to instill fears in the town union leadership and probably stop them from appearing before the panel.
