Tragedy struck yesterday night in Ebonyi State as suspected armed robbers shot and killed Christopher Igwe, the younger brother of the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe.
The fatal attack occurred around 10 p.m. along the Ishieke axis of Ebonyi Local Government Area, an area now rattled by fear following the incident.
According to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the assailants had initially stormed a cooking gas retail outlet where they carried out a robbery operation before opening fire indiscriminately.
In the chaos that followed, Christopher Igwe was hit by gunshots and died on the spot.
Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
“Yes, the incident occurred on Monday night at about 10 p.m. along Ishieke area.
“The armed robbers, after their operation at a cooking gas selling store, began to shoot, and unfortunately, the brother to the commissioner was shot dead," he said.
He added that the Command has launched a full-scale investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
Ukandu urged residents of the area to remain calm and to support the ongoing investigation by providing useful information that could aid police efforts.
“We are calling on members of the public to volunteer credible information that will help us track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.
The killing has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in pockets of the state, particularly along semi-urban corridors such as Ishieke.
Communities in the area have continued to call for increased patrols and a stronger security presence to deter violent crimes.
Meanwhile, residents and sympathizers have been trooping to the home of Commissioner Igwe to condole with the family over the heartbreaking loss.
