Unknown gunmen have killed an intending couple at Arondizuogu community in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo state.
According to residents of the community, the victims, Mba Ifeoma Gloria and Eremezie Tochukwu Martin whose wedding was slated for January 18, 2023, were taking a ride in the groom’s brother’s tricycle when they were attacked by the gunmen who killed all three of them on Wednesday,
Troubled by the incessant killings and kidnappings in their community, members of the community came out en mass on Wednesday to lay curses on the assailants perpetrating the crime. They also claim that the assailants have invaded their community and specialize in stealing flashy cars and killing their owners.
A resident, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, said the murder required a holistic investigation.
He said, “a young man who was coming home for his marriage was killed in his village yesterday night (Tuesday) with his fiancée and the brother who was conveying them in his Keke (tricycle). This happened at Ndiejezie Izuogu in Ideato LGA of Imo State.
“We complained of this reckless kidnapping, killing and burning of vehicles in Arondizuogu last year and the police spokesman assured me that something was already being done about it.
“But since then, the killing and kidnapping have been happening every day. The people of Arondizuogu did not come back for Christmas and New Year. The few that came could not move around in their cars. As we speak, there was a mass exodus of people from Arondizuogu this morning (Wednesday) after the incident of last night.
“The hoodlums specialise in stealing flashy cars and killing their owners if they refuse to release them. Other times, cars are burnt in the process. We are no longer safe in Arondizuogu. Students are afraid of going to schools; our mothers no longer go to markets for fear of the unknown. Please help us before we are finished.”
Imo State Police Publlic Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Michael Abattam, confirmed the tragic incident.