JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Ebubeagu Operative In Ebonyi

Gunmen have killed an operative of the Ebubeagu Southeast Security outfit in Ebonyi state.

Iboko Christian, the operative, was allegedly slain by gunmen on Thursday night.

Due to his difficulty to secure employment, the victim, who is said to be a graduate, joined Ebubeagu. He was allegedly attacked by gunmen who followed him to his home in the Nduogbuovu community in the Izzi local government area.

Anthony Nwegede, the lawmaker for Izzi East Constituency in the Ebonyi Assembly, confirmed the killing. Before killing him, the assailants robbed him of some money and his motorcycle, according to the lawmaker, who is an ally of the murdered Ebubeagu operative.

The case has been reported to the police for investigation, according to Nwegede, who condemned the killing.

His killing came just a week after a security outfit commander was slain in the Ezza North local government region.

Another member of the Security outfit, Sunday Nwafor, was shot and beheaded by gunmen in Ekpelu, Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, in January.

Another member of the security team, Ifeanyi Orogbo, was killed in January, and his remains were partially burned by the perpetrators. He was slain in Igweledeoha, Amagu, in the state’s Ikwo Local Government Area.

Southeast Governors established Ebubeagu to complement the work of the police and other security authorities in combating the region’s escalating crime rates.

Only Ebonyi and Imo were among the five southeastern states to inaugurate the organization.

Despite their establishment, the security situation in the region has exacerbated. Security agents and institutions, as well as prominent figures in the region, have all been targeted.

Last week, a number of police stations in Imo were attacked, with several people killed.

Last month, the head headquarters of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ebonyi was attacked, with four people killed.

Gunmen in Imo State also razed the country home of Ohanézè Ndgbo, a socio-political organisation in the region last month.

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is detained by the Nigerian government, has been blamed for the attacks. Kanu is accused of terrorism and treason and is on trial. He has continued to deny any culpability for the attacks, as has IPOB, the organisation he commands.