Violence erupts in Enugu community over alleged killing of a man by vigilante group
From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki
Violence has erupted in MKpulogo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu state following the alleged killing of a 22-year old man, identified as Philip Okoro by vigilante group.
It was gathered that some youth of the community who were angered by the development started burning and destruction of houses and properties in the community.
Checks revealed that the deceased was killed over land related issues as the vigilante members stormed his house to arrest him but he was shot as he resisted arrest.
The State police spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe said two of the vigilance member linked to the killing had been arrested
Ndukwe said: “the state Commissioner of Police, CP Abuabar Lawal, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-Charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation into the case of alleged shooting of one Philip Okoro (m) aged 22, by a Vigilante at Mkpulogo community in Uzo-Uwani LGA on *29/06/2022*.
“The victim was rushed to the hospital and later confirmed dead on *30/06/2022* *at about 3pm*, by doctors on duty and his corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“Consequently, two (2) members of the Vigilante Group directly link to the shooting and murder of the victim have been arrested.
“They include: *one Annene Idu (m)*, alleged to have shot the deceased, and *Chijioke Ezugwu (m)*, the Chief Security Officer of the L.G.A. said to have led the Vigilantes to the scene of the incident to arrest hard drugs dealers. Additionally, the Pump Action used for the act has been recovered.
“Meanwhile, in protest of the death of the said victim, an angry mob set ablaze the house of the mentioned team leader. However, the fire was put out by Police Operatives, who swiftly mobilized to the scene on receipt of a distress call, before the building could be burnt down”
He said normalcy had been restored in the area, noting that the CP had urged residents of the community to remain law-abiding and avoid acts capable of breaching public peace in the area”.
