Members of the Enugu State Neighbourhood Watch allegedly shot and killed a man known as Oforma, also referred to as Ofor Onye Ofe Olubu.
Oforma, a popular restaurant owner, was reportedly killed at the Ogrute roundabout in the Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday night.
A video posted on Facebook on Tuesday, captured the aftermath of the incident, showing a security vehicle belonging to the neighbourhood watch group engulfed in flames. It was reportedly set on fire by angry youths who came out to protest the killing of Oforma, who was well-loved in the community.
According to an eyewitness, the incident escalated when the security team attempted to arrest someone at Oforma’s restaurant and was met with resistance. This led to a physical altercation between the restaurant owner and the security operatives.
“In the ensuing fracas, he was shot in the back by one of the security operatives,” said the eyewitness who does not want his name in print.
The eyewitness further narrated that on seeing what had happened, the security men took to their heels, abandoning their vehicle which was later set ablaze by the angry youths.
The victim was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital Ogrute where he was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday, Sahara Reporters reported.
A group known as Concerned Igboeze North Youths (CINY) confirmed the development in a post on social media on Tuesday morning.
The post reads, “We lost him. The guy that was allegedly shot dead by Igboeze North Security personnel. St Mary’s hospital Doctor at Ogrute confirmed him dead.
“This is so bad to say RIP. A breadwinner is gone; a father is gone; someone’s husband is gone; someone’s son; Uncle, brother, in-law etc is gone.”
They called on Igboeze North political leaders, the police, the Chairman of the local government, the state government and other relevant authorities to commence an urgent investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
SaharaReporters’ efforts to speak with the State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls. He had yet to react to a text message sent to him.