Gunmen on New Year day killed a commander of the state-backed security outfit, Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State, setting his abode alight.

The attackers stormed Oyeku Kalu Chima’s residence in Owutu Edda town of Afikpo South Local Government in the wee hours of the day, a police account detailed.

“His house was set ablaze while his wife, Chima was killed by the attackers,” police spokesman Chris Anyanwu noted on Sunday.

“It has not been established who perpetrated the dastardly act,” the police spokesman noted. “The said Ebubeagu Commander alleged that it was one Okporie Ashango and his cohorts that did it.”

Mr Anyanwu however said “The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aliyu Garba, has directed that immediate investigation be activated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) to unravel those behind the crimes.

“Further to that, detectives of the SCIID and operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams have taken over proceedings in the area as the CP orders that the perpetrators must be fished out and brought to book pronto.

“It is rather unfortunate that mischief-makers are still fomenting fracas in the state in spite of the grace of witnessing a new year!,” the police spokesman added. 

(NAN)