Black Monday As Armed Men sent shockwaves through Nnewi and environs, armed killers stormed Nnewi, targeting hotels, drinking joints and leaving a trail of casualties. Among the victims was a high-ranking security chief Hon Chukwueloka Onyejekwe.
The incident occurred this morning when a group of heavily armed men reportedly infiltrated the peaceful town under the camouflage of security men.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as the assailants, whose motives remain unclear, launched a coordinated assault on multiple locations within the town.
Local authorities were quickly alerted to the unfolding crisis, prompting a swift response from community vigilante and emergency services. However, the reinforcements was headed by Hon Eloka a top security chief of Nnewichi community who ran into the armed men on his way to the crime scene without duly informed of their vehicle. Hon Eloka whose role was crucial in maintaining peace and order in Nnewi lost his life as a loyal soldier on the line of duty.
According to an eyewitness (Name Witheld) who spoke to EkweAnaedo requested anonymity out of fear for his safety; “We were having a meeting at the hotel (Name Witheld) when a group of armed men entered. They asked us why we are here and why we are not observing the sit at home order? Before we could say a word, he ordered his members to kill all of u, we are more than fifteen (15).
“We took off immediately and they opened fire on us, i had to hide behind the generator house with many others jumping the fence, there are many casualty of people with bullet wound to their stomach and legs”.
According to another eyewitness (Name witheld); “They came from Nnobi and passed through the hotel but one of them noticed motorcycles parked outside the hotel and instructed the driver to turn. They came into where we are having a meeting and collected our phones, at first we thought they are SARS operatives because they wore an F-SARS inscription on their camo. They collected my phone, they are thieves. They asked where the security man was and before we could say jack, they opened fire on us”.
The attack has left residents shaken and mourning the loss of their respected security leader, whose leadership was marked by efforts to curb crime and promote safety in Nnewi. His death, along with that of other victims, has prompted calls for heightened security measures and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in providing any information that could lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with speculation ranging from targeted operation to broader criminal activities.
Meanwhile, The Community Of Nnewi is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented violence, coming together to mourn the loss of lives and support one another during this challenging time. As investigations continue, residents are hopeful that measures will be taken to prevent such senseless acts of violence from recurring and restore a sense of security in their beloved town,
Meanwhile, The Police Public Relation Officer, Anambra State Command SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the information in his disposal is still scanty.
