No fewer than 12 persons were reportedly killed by gunmen in Eboh community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday.
The assailants, allegedly decked in military uniforms, were said to have launched the attack from Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent claimed that the number of casualties could be up to 20, adding that the 12 bodies recovered were those killed in the market square.
A resident of Eboh community, who gave his name as Chukwuma Odoh, said, “Today’s killing is unimaginable. As we speak, we have recovered the bodies of 12 people killed who were mainly children and women. The number could rise to 20. The assailants wore military uniforms. Our people thought that they were soldiers who came to protect them and relaxed before they suddenly opened fire on the people.”
A community leader, Chief Maxwell Olinya, while confirming Odoh’s account said, “Today is the darkest day in the history of Eboh community. I am dumbfounded. I lack words to describe what happened in my community today.”
Meanwhile, neighbouring Eboh communities – Umuhu, Amede, Ihenyi and Mgbuji all in Eha-Amufu, have become a ghost area after soldiers reportedly engaged operatives of Eastern Security Network in a gun duel.
A man was said to have been killed during the gun duel.
When contacted on the telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed attacks in Eha-Amufu but could not provide details.
“I have no details of causality figures. Once I get a detailed report of the incident I will make it available to the public,” he said.