At least five persons were critically injured after gunmen attacked the Amafor Okpuje community in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident, which occurred last weekend, has plunged the area into sorrow and heightened tension.
Reports indicate that the gunmen struck during a traditional marriage ceremony at the Ugwoke family compound. A member of the family, Franklin Ikechukwu Ugwoke, was said to be the primary target of the attack.
The gunmen opened fire on attendees and set the Ugwoke family home ablaze.
“Five persons were critically injured and are receiving treatment in the hospital for gunshot wounds. There is tension everywhere; we don’t know what will happen next,” a local resident stated.
According to Collins Ayogu, a relative of the Ugwoke family, the incident took place late in the evening while family members and guests were gathered for the ceremony.
He explained that the armed men stormed the compound and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing attendees to flee for safety.
Ayogu stated that the attackers repeatedly demanded the whereabouts of Franklin Ikechukwu Ugwoke.
According to his account, one of the gunmen threatened that Franklin would not survive if captured, declaring an intent to eliminate him.
Ayogu further alleged that the assailants named James Ugwoke as the person who had sent them. One of the gunmen reportedly claimed openly that Franklin had challenged James Ugwoke and insisted that Franklin would be killed once located.
During the attack, Ayogu witnessed the family house being set on fire, which resulted in sections of the building burning down.
The incident has intensified concerns over Franklin Ikechukwu Ugwoke’s safety, particularly against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute involving members of the Ugwoke family and their uncle, James Ugwoke.
The allegation that James Ugwoke sponsored the attack has not been independently verified and remains subject to investigation.
Ayogu also raised alarms regarding the broader security situation in the area, referencing the recent killing of Ikechukwu Oloto, another Nsukka resident, by unknown assailants shortly before this attack.
He noted that the killing has exacerbated fear and anxiety among residents, who dread further violence.
Ayogu confirmed that he reported the assault to the Nigeria Police Force at the Nsukka Division.
He added that the underlying conflict had been brought to police attention previously, though no decisive action had been taken to resolve the dispute or deter future attacks.
The violent invasion, the threats directed at Franklin Ikechukwu Ugwoke, and the destruction of the family home have left relatives terrified that the gunmen may strike again.
The identities of the perpetrators, the allegations surrounding their sponsor, and the broader circumstances of the attack remain under investigation by the relevant authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, the police authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
