By Kamsi Anayo
Unknown gunmen have shot dead Mr Chikodili Ngwu from Ameke village in the crisis-torn Oruku community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
This is happening three weeks after gunmen murdered Chief Linus Nwatu, the President-General of Oruku Town Union.
Ngwu, a middle-aged man is said to be the ninth on the list of indigenes of the community so far murdered by gunmen believed to be working for some powerful personalities involved in the protracted communal conflict in the area.
The victim was reportedly gunned down at about 8am on Sunday by yet to be identified assailants within the Oruku market square.
It was learnt that the gunmen fled the scene after the gunshot, throwing the residents into panic.
However, sources said the incessant killings in Oruku have forced many residents to relocate their families to neighbouring communities and towns such as Idodo, Akpoga, Onuogba and Emene.
President-General of the town, Chief Nwatu, a retired police officer, was shot dead in the early hours of Aug. 20, 2022 by the rampaging gunmen at his residence in Oruku.
Before then, seven other natives of the community including the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Mba were gruesomely murdered at different times from 2020 to 2022.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, said he was yet to be briefed about the development, promising to get back after contacting relevant officers in-charge of the area.