Samuel Ani, another community leader in the crisis-ridden Oruku in the Nkanu local government area of Enugu, was shot dead by gunmen on Wednesday.

The police command in the state confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe.

Until his death, Mr. Ani was the vice chairman of the Oruku Caretaker Committee.

His killing came barely two months after the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Mbah, was shot and killed while addressing his subjects on December 26, 2020.

The fatal attack led to a crisis followed by the destruction of lives and property in the community prompting the government to set up a commission of inquiry.

Mr. Ani was expected to appear before the commission on Friday.

According to a police’s statement, the command received a report on February 24, 2021, at about 7.30 am, that hoodlums suspected to be among the warring factions of Oruku shot and murdered one Samuel Ani at his residence in the community.

Mr. Ndukwe added that the command would fish out instigators and perpetrators of the community’s fresh crisis.

He also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu, urged law-abiding residents of the community to remain calm.

“The command is intensifying all efforts to fish out and bring the perpetrators to book,” said Mr. Ndukwe.