How family of three died in Ozubulu massacre

Three members of a family have been confirmed to be among those killed at St Philip Catholic Church on Sunday by a rampaging gunman.

Chairman of Ekwusigo local government area, Engr Ikenna Ofodeme who briefed journalists at the council headquarters told journalists that one family, which was later identified as Obunadike were also involved in the incident.

Ofodeme said the unidentified man from the Obunadike family who was among those shot dead also lost his wife and newborn child.

“The Lady was carrying her new born child when the bullet pierced her back, came out through her chest and also pierced her baby and they both died,” Ofodeme said.

The council chairman also said that after analysis, it has been ascertained that a total of 12 people lost their lives in the attack, and that they include nine women, one baby and two men.

He said that he has also written an official letter to the hospital authority for proper identification of the dead and injured persons for record purposes.

Most of those who were hospitalised were also said to have been discharged, while 27 others who are still in the hospital are in stable condition.

The council boss said it was not true that the killing was motivated by a feud between two drug lords, saying that the said drug lord, Aloysius Ikegwuonu who was targeted by the gunman had left the community the previous day.

“Ikegwuonu was here, and for two days he played football with youths in the community and even gave out football boots to people. If it was he they needed, they would have come then and taken him.
“What I can say is that there may be political undertone to this attack. Why is it coming now that election is coming? Remember that security is the biggest achievement of our governor, and some politicians may be seeking to discredit him by doing this.
“I believe that in the fullness of time, the true story will be unveiled. The police is working and I believe they can do it. Saying that drug barons did this or did that is wrong because if it is true, then police will just work on that, but it is not true.”