One killed as gunmen storm Ebonyi LG chairman’s hotel

Unknown gunmen have reportedly stormed the hotel of Ikechukwu Odono, the Chairman of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, killing one person.

According to a report, the hoodlums also burnt up to seven cars parked on the premises of the hotel, which is located in Ezzangbo in the council area.

The assailants were said to have stormed the hotel at about 11 pm on Sunday, attacked and killed one of its occupants, and then shot sporadically for six hours until 5 am on Monday.

A source in the community who preferred not to be mentioned said, “My brother, remember that this area (Ezzangbo) has been under attack by gunmen, but the incident last night was the mother of all the attacks.

“This time around, the hoodlums went straight to the hotel of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area and unleashed their mayhem. Some told me one person was killed, but many said three persons were killed. So, it was devastating.

“Nobody knows what’s going on. Just last week, about five policemen were killed. One is wondering what’s going on in Ebonyi North Zone. It’s getting worrisome—I mean the spate of insecurity here.”

Also, another source, a Vigilante operative from the area, who pleaded anonymity, said the incident took place around 11 pm, adding, “On that night, the hotel and the residence of the Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, were attacked by unidentified gunmen.

DSP Joshua Ukandu, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the gunmen attacked the hotel on Sunday night, which led to the killing of one person.

“Several vehicles were set ablaze in the hotel by the gunmen during the attack,” he added.