Gunmen have reportedly invaded the hotel of the Chairman of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ikechukwu Odono, killing one person.
Our correspondent gathered that the hoodlums also burnt no fewer than seven cars parked on the premises of the hotel, which is located in Ezzangbo in the council area.
It was learnt that the assailants invaded the hotel at about 11pm on Sunday, attacked and killed one of its occupants, then shot sporadically for six hours until 5am on Monday.
Images at the scene of the incident, which our correspondent saw online, depicted a pool of blood on the staircase of the hotel.
A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said, “My brother, remember that this area (Ezzangbo) has been under attack by gunmen; but the incident last night was the mother of all the attacks.
“This time around, the hoodlums went straight to the hotel of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area and unleashed their mayhem. Some told me one person was killed, but many said three persons were killed. So, it was devastating.
“Nobody knows what’s going on. Just last week, about five policemen were killed. One is wondering what’s going on in Ebonyi North Zone. It’s getting worrisome—I mean the spate of insecurity here.”
Also, a Vigilante operative from the area, who equally did not want his name in print, said the incident took place around 11pm, adding, “On that night, the hotel and the residence of the Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, were attacked by unidentified gunmen.
“One Onwe Chukwuka, (aka Mature), was shot dead; another person, Mr Odono Peter, Cross, was also shot and he sustained a serious bullet wound. Nine vehicles were burnt.”
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, on Monday, said the gunmen attacked the hotel on Sunday night, which led to the killing of one person.
He added, “Several vehicles were set ablaze in the hotel by the gunmen during the attack.”
