Fear and unrest have returned to Ekoli in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State after suspected gunmen killed one man and injured several others in a broad daylight attack. The victim, identified as Udu Nnachi Uzor, was shot dead inside his home at Ndenworo village by a group believed to be members of a local vigilante outfit known as the Catcham Boys.
Eyewitnesses, including Uzor’s wife, Onyinye, said around 20 armed men stormed their residence at noon, allegedly accompanied by police officers and soldiers. She recounted how they asked for her husband, then walked into the room and shot him dead. She identified the shooter as a vigilante member known only as “Deri.” Uzor’s body was later taken to the morgue.
A respected community elder, Chief Etta Egor, said the Catcham Boys have been instilling fear in the area, often moving around with pump-action rifles in the presence of security forces. According to him, this latest killing happened after residents noticed the group entering villages alongside uniformed men. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Uzor was found dead in his home.
Adding to the tension is the disappearance of a MAC truck linked to a former council chairman. It was allegedly hijacked during the attack and has not been recovered.
This is the latest in a string of violent incidents in Ekoli-Edda. Just last month, another person was killed during political unrest that destroyed property worth millions. During that attack, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, a former local government chairman, and his brother, Chima Uduma Chima, narrowly escaped death. Their SUV was riddled with bullets.
Following the violence, members of the community declared both men banished for seven years, accusing them of fueling communal conflict. That banishment continues to divide the area and has now been followed by yet another fatal assault.
Residents are calling on the government to intervene and bring peace back to the troubled community.
