Survivors of the recent mass shootings at Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, which led to death of 11 persons have recounted their ordeal in the hands of gunmen.
Gunmen operating in two SUVs had arrived the meeting venue on a Monday, as Ebonyi indigenes in the community were meeting and opened fire on them, killing 11.
The survivors who were visited by the Anambra governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu recounted their ordeals, while praising him for his thoughtful visit, which they said has calmed their nerves.
The APC candidate who was represented during the visit by top officers of Ikukuoma Foundation (IF), an NGO founded by the candidate, lamented the worsening level of insecurity in the state, while assuring that under his watch, Anambra would bounce back as a secure state.
A senior member of the foundation, Hon Tony Ezekwelu who led the delegation said: “Our principal and APC governorship candidate in the November 8, polls Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu was deeply shocked and pained to learn about the inhumanity some people visited on you.
“He asked us to come here and console you. He described the act as despicable, and has told us to assure you that under his leadership, Anambra will rank as the most secure state in the country.
“These demonic forces, the devils in human form that kill and maim, God will punish them beyond measure.
“We are worried that this happened.We are not known for this kind of thing. I wonder how people can pack guns in their vehicles and drive past many police checkpoints on the road to this place without being detected,”he said.
The chairman of Ebonyi Indigenous Welfare Association, Ogboji chapter, Mr. Augustine Odom, told the officers that on the fateful day, about 30 out of the 50 member group were in a house in the community for their monthly meeting which holds on the last Monday of every month when the unfortunate incident occured.
“30 of us who attended the meeting had were just rounding off, so that we can discuss the issue of a member who borrowed a “small amount” from the association but reneged on repayment due date when we noticed two Sienna SUV cars – one white and the other black approaching the gate of the compound where we were gathered.
“We initially they didn’t suspect anything but suddenly, the occupants of the cars, about 10 in number, all hooded alighted, opened the compound gate and raced to the meeting point. The first thing they did was to ask all of us to lie face down, and they started shooting.”
