Man set ablaze by hoodlums in Ebonyi, police pledge investigation

A middle-aged businessman, Michael Nnaji, was brutally killed on Tuesday night in Ngbo Amaka, Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Council, Ebonyi State, when hoodlums invaded his premises around 9:45 p.m.

Nnaji, who was also a member of the local security group, was reportedly shot twice by the assailants before they set him ablaze.

According to a police report, Ebonyi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the incident, noting that officers from the Ohaukwu Police Divisional Headquarters immediately visited the scene to commence investigations.

While details remain scant, Ukandu assured the public that the state police command would conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

A family member, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the attackers, masked and on a motorcycle, stormed Nnaji’s business compound, with one entering through the front door and the other through the back. The witness described the harrowing events, saying, “They shot him twice in the parlour where he was relaxing and then set him on fire. I barely escaped after one of them attempted to restrain me.”

The attack caused panic among residents, who fled, leaving Nnaji alone with his attackers. Following the gunshots, the hoodlums set Nnaji ablaze inside his house, which also destroyed household items, including electronics, furniture, cash, and other valuables.

A local community leader, also speaking on condition of anonymity, appealed to security agencies for swift action and raised concerns about rising violence in Ohaukwu Local Council.

Nnaji’s remains were transferred to the Ezzamgbo General Hospital mortuary while shocked residents gathered to discuss the tragic incident.