A vigilante from Umunjanwoke, Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, has allegedly shot and killed his colleague, Israel Ewuzie, popularly known as “Araka Bullet”, from Ndegwu, same council area, with his pump-action gun.
The incident which occurred on Wednesday evening at about 5 pm has thrown the entire community of Ndegwu into mourning.
A source who does not want his name mentioned said the suspect, simply known as Ebere, shot at the gate of the Ndegwu health centre, where Ewuzie and some other people were gathered after guarding a funeral ceremony close to the scene of the incident.
A bullet from his gunshot was said to have pierced through the gate and hit Ewuzie in the chest. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but was confirmed dead before arrival.
Although the circumstances that led to the shooting are still shrouded in mystery but another witness said the suspect’s initial defence suggested his guilt.
“At first Ebere had denied shooting Araka; he told people he mistakenly shot himself with his own gun, but he thought he was the only one there,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the suspect has been handed over to the police by the community for further investigation.