Tension Rises in Ebonyi Community After Nighttime Shooting, Three Dead

Residents of Nwezenyi Community, Igbeagu, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, are on edge following the shooting death of at least three people late Sunday night.

According to residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. opposite the Assembly of God Church in the community.

“One could hear gunshots, and we all ran inside our homes. We don’t know if it was a clash between cult groups or an attack by hoodlums,” said one resident. “This morning, we learned that at least three bodies were recovered. People are still too afraid to go outside.”

Another resident, whose shop is located nearby, confirmed the attack. “I left my shop around 10 p.m., and this morning, I started receiving calls warning me not to come out because of what happened last night. We are still unsure what exactly transpired,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, stated that he was not aware of the incident.

The attack comes amid ongoing distress in the community, following the reported kidnapping of three siblings—Favour, Obinna, and Kamso Okeoha—two weeks ago. Residents said the children were abducted on a Saturday when their parents were away.

According to locals, the suspected kidnapper had only recently moved into the compound and appeared to be an ordinary tenant. “She moved in on Thursday, settled in on Friday, and by Saturday, she had kidnapped the three children. We still don’t know her identity,” a resident said.

Observers noted that the suspected kidnapper’s apartment was uniquely painted with the words “One Love,” a detail that has added to the community’s shock and disbelief.

At the time of reporting, the parents of the kidnapped siblings were not in the community. Sympathizers were seen waiting for their arrival as residents continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty.