Three members of a vigilante group in Imo state have been killed by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the gunmen opened fire on a patrol vehicle on Sunday, July 7, killing three operatives and a passerby at Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the attack, a community leader who pleaded anonymity said the incident occurred close to the local Afor Umuaka Market and Hilltop Primary School at about 7:20 pm.
The community leader described the attack as a “devastating ambush”.
Another source who spoke on the killing said residents of the community and neighbouring communities had experienced similar attacks and abductions around the area.
According to the source, some hoodlums had recently set up criminal camps in the neighbouring Ezioha Community in Mbaitoli LGA.
The source claimed these hoodlums launch attacks on community members from their hideouts.
“The destruction of terror camps in Orsu LGA and other parts of the state forced them to move to Ezioha Community.
“Their unchallenged activities led to the abduction of no fewer than 10 persons within the last six weeks.
“No ransom demanded, no dead body found, yet all of them have been missing since then.
“What happened yesterday night was a continuation of their onslaught,” the source said.
Police react
In its reaction, the Police in the state confirmed that three vigilance personnel and a female passerby, hit by a stray bullet, died during the attack.
The spokesperson for the Imo state command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, had deployed a Tactical Squad to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly act.
Sympathizing with the family of the deceased, Okoye said the Police would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators were all arrested and brought to justice.
He also called on the public and residents of Njaba to furnish the Police with any vital information that could aid their investigation.
Okoye said the residents can volunteer information at any Police Station or via the command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197
