Tragedy struck the Kparenke community in the Miango District, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area on Friday night as gunmen launched a deadly attack, resulting in the deaths of two residents and injuring another.
The victims have been identified as Friday Mangwa, 28, and Deborah Monday, 40. A third victim, Keziah Friday, 20, is currently receiving medical treatment for severe injuries at an undisclosed hospital.
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, and Major Samson Zhakom of Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful as their phone lines were not reachable at the time of this report.
Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the community.
“At about 10 p.m. on June 21, 2024, while law-abiding citizens were resting, gunmen unleashed terror on innocent people in Kparenke village, resulting in two deaths and one injury,” Jugo stated. “Those killed are Mr. Friday Mangwa and Mrs. Deborah Monday. Mrs. Keziah Friday sustained severe injuries and is currently under medical care. This news is as despicable as it is unfortunate.”
The Rigwe Traditional Council, along with the President and Executive Committee members of the Irigwe Development Association, condemned the violence, emphasizing their commitment to peace and the sanctity of life.
“We condemn this act of wanton disregard for human lives and the laws of nature and our country,” Jugo said. He urged the community to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful means. “We cannot afford to revert to the days of bloodletting. The Rigwe nation values life and is a proponent of peaceful coexistence. We must continue to promote these values in all circumstances.”
Jugo also offered condolences to the families of the victims, urging the community to stand united against anarchy and human suffering. “We share in this mourning and need to uphold values that promote peace and reject those that lead to chaos and suffering.”
The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, highlighting the need for increased protection and proactive measures to safeguard communities.
