Eke community in Udi Local Council of Enugu State, yesterday, raised the alarm over the fate of four vigilantes recuperating in the hospital, following an alleged invasion of the hospital by soldiers, who confiscated the mobile phones of the wounded victims and demanded police report for their treatment.
The vigilantes were hospitalised two weeks ago after an attack allegedly launched on them by soldiers when they responded to a distress call that armed robbers were operating along the only road leading to Eke community to Udi Local Council.
Two persons were allegedly killed in the attack, including a member of the vigilante group, Ebuka Oke and Nkechi, the wife of Izuchukwu Udegbunam, who was still recuperating in a hospital.
Recall that the Army had earlier denied attacking and killing vigilantes in the community, but admitted engaging armed criminals in a shootout that led to the death of ‘one of them’ in the area.
The traditional ruler of Eke Community, His highness, Igwe Chinwendu Onuoha, who decried the development, stated that the attitude of the soldiers was creating more depression for the wounded vigilantes.
Confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ngwu, expressed shock over the number of soldiers that visited the facility.
He said that they did not only collect phones of the victims, they also demanded police reports for their treatment.
One of the wounded vigilantes, Chukwuemeka Jacob Anigbo, who confirmed that their phones were later returned, however, said that he was asked to narrate the incident, which he did, adding that the soldiers who attacked them were four in number.
When contacted, spokesperson for the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Umuakhalu, said he knew nothing about the development, but promised to inquire about it. At press time, he was yet to do so.
