The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the murder of a 48-year-old vigilante member, Michael Nnaji, in the Ngbo Amaka community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
State Police Spokesman, DSP Joshua Ukandu, briefed journalists on Thursday, stating that the command had visited the scene and launched an investigation into the tragic incident.
According to DSP Ukandu, details of the attack are still emerging. Nnaji, who was also a businessman in the community, was reportedly shot twice by two masked assailants who arrived on a motorcycle around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
A family source who spoke anonymously with Daily Trust, disclosed that the attackers targeted Nnaji in his place of business.
“We were at the shop at about 9:45 pm when two young men zoomed into the compound wearing masks. One came in from the front door while the other came in from the back door and immediately, they made their way to the living room where Mike was relaxing and shot him twice.
“Immediately I heard the gunshot, I rushed out from the backward, and one of them grabbed me, collected my phone, and dragged me to the house, but as God will have it, I freed myself from him and ran to the nearby compound.
“As a result of the gunshots, most of the residents of the area all scampered for safety, leaving him and the hoodlums. After shooting him, they set him ablaze inside the house and zoomed off.
“Out of fear, nobody came around for his rescue, and his corpse was severely burnt. Other household items, including two deep freezers, television sets, chairs, tables, fans, cooking utensils, cars, and other items, were all completely burnt,” the source said.
The family source maintained that Mike, who had been residing in the community for years, was a quiet and jovial man, wondering who would have committed the act.