Unknown gunmen late Tuesday night, invaded the new Cattle Market at Omumauzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, killing eight persons and slaughtering over 20 cows in the process.
Reports from the area indicated that the land where the Cattle Market is presently relocated from Ahiaudele Market in Ogbor Hill, Aba has been a subject of dispute amongst some communities in Abia state and their Rivers State counterparts.
It was gathered that the gunmen who came there around 11:45 pm on Tuesday shot sporadically, thereby killing some people and destroying many livestock and that they escaped after carrying out their nefarious acts.
Meanwhile, a high powered team of Abia State government visited the market Wednesday morning to access the situation and sympathize with the traders. The team made of the Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chief Sopuruchi Bekee, Chairman of Ukwa West LGC, Chief Okechi Kanu and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Janet Agbade assured the traders of their safety while sympathising with them.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr Eze Chikamnayo on the incident, said the government is “shocked and saddened by the mindless and barbaric act of violence that claimed the lives of about eight innocent citizens of our great country”.
The statement said, “We totally condemned this dastardly act together with its wicked perpetrators. We’re working assiduously to provide succour to the families of the victims. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical attention.
“We have equally started the immediate relocation of the traders while working out compensation for lost properties. We’ll leave no stone unturned to ensure that the evil perpetrators are brought to justice.
“While waiting for the outcome of the ongoing investigations by our diligent security forces, the governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu together with all Abians pray for God to grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“We urge all citizens of our great country in Abia State to remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authorities”.
