adminreporter
Residents of Agba community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are living in fear following a deadly attack by suspected armed robbers that left two people dead and sparked fresh concerns over rising insecurity in the area.
The victims have been identified as Mr. Sunday Oyibe, a prominent school proprietor and chairman of the Ishielu Timbers Association, and a young man, Chukwu Ebuka, who was reportedly shot while struggling to protect his iPhone from the assailants.
Confirming the incident, the President of Agba Town Union, Mr. Sunday Chukwu Nwadibia, described the community as being under siege, lamenting that armed criminals have terrorized the area for over a year, resulting in multiple deaths, stolen property, and economic paralysis.
Nwadibia recounted that the latest attack occurred at two key junctions, including Orie Agba, which is near his residence. According to him, the attackers, dressed in military camouflage and equipped with bulletproof vests, stormed the area at night, shooting indiscriminately and wreaking havoc.
“I climbed an upstairs to observe them when they came close to my office. They were shooting heavily. Mr. Sunday Oyibe was shot and later died at the hospital. Chukwu Ebuka was also gunned down while reportedly trying to stop them from seizing his iPhone,” he narrated.
He further revealed that the same gang had previously robbed a POS operator of ₦2.7 million, kidnapped a trader from the community’s market, and made away with a Toyota Corolla and five motorcycles in earlier attacks.
“These criminals operate mostly at night, masked and disguised as soldiers. Their activities have crippled nightlife and economic activity in Agba. Once darkness falls, the entire town locks down in fear,” he added.
Appealing to the government, Nwadibia called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the killings and assured that the Command is awaiting a detailed briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Ishielu to enable proper investigation and response.
“Yes, I am aware of the incident in Ishielu. I will speak with the DPO to get the complete report,” Ukandu stated.
As the community continues to mourn and live in fear, residents are calling on the Ebonyi State Government and relevant security agencies to step up efforts in restoring peace and normalcy to Agba and its environs.
