Yuletide shocker: Gunmen kill 3 in Uratta in robbery attempt
It was fear and apprehension at Umuoha community, Uratta in Isiala North local government area of Abia state as un-identified gunmen struck the community in a reprisal attack following attempted robbery, where three members of the community were reportedly killed.
A member of the gang also lost his life in the attempt that was reportedly resisted by the community youths last weekend.
Reports have it that several other members of the community sustained bullet injuries and are receiving medical treatment in nearby communities.
According to the reports, the robbers had at the weekend came to rob in the community, but were not successful as the community resisted their moves.
Luck was said to have ran out on a member of the gang as he was said to have been apprehended by irate youths of the community who meted out jungle justice on him, killing him in the process and set a motorcycle he was trying to escape with ablaze.
However, unknown to the community, members of the gang, days later regrouped for a reprisal attack and, in a commando style, attacked the community during the yuletide festivities, shooting sporadically into the air and at any moving objects.
At the end, according to a source who pleaded anonymity who confirmed the incident and the death of some members of the community, informed that many are receiving treatment at undisclosed hospitals and clinics around the area.
Following the development, coupled with palpable fear and air of uncertainty, the source said that the community is still in shock over the development, while many members of the Umuoha community have fled the community for safety over fear of possible further attack as an unconfirmed warning had indicated.
When contacted, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Ogbonnaya Nta, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.
Nta, who promised to get back to our reporter after calling the Isiala Ngwa North Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to get details of the matter, was yet to do so even as at the time of filing this report.
