In a devastating incident that has left a community in mourning, unknown gunmen have shot and killed Mr Christopher Igwe, the younger brother of Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Family Tragedy During Wake Preparations
The tragic event occurred around 8 pm on November 18, 2025 in the Idembia Ishieke community of Ebonyi Local Government Area. According to eyewitness accounts, the victim and his siblings were preparing to attend a Christian wake for a recently deceased relative when armed assailants struck.
An eyewitness revealed that the violence began when the gunmen, who were riding motorcycles, initially robbed a domestic gas dealer in the area. After fleeing the scene, the assailants unexpectedly returned and began firing randomly at people in the vicinity.
Emergency Response and Hospital Confirmation
The shooting resulted in two casualties. The commissioner's brother, popularly known as Bombay, sustained fatal injuries, while the gas dealer suffered bullet wounds in sensitive parts of his body. Both men were immediately rushed to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki for emergency treatment.
Medical professionals at the hospital confirmed the tragic death of Christopher Igwe, while the gas dealer remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment for his injuries. The sudden nature of the attack has left the entire community in shock and mourning.
Official Reactions and Community Grief
Commissioner Uche Igwe confirmed the heartbreaking loss through a social media post, stating: "My immediate younger brother was killed by armed robbers around 8:30 pm this night. The Igwe Egbarada family is in grief. We need your prayers."
At the family compound in Ishieke, the Leadership newspaper reported that numerous sympathizers gathered in clusters, discussing the unfortunate incident. The atmosphere was heavy with visible grief, sorrow, and tears as the community struggled to come to terms with the senseless violence.
Police Investigation and Manhunt
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the command received immediate notification of the incident and dispatched personnel to the scene. However, the armed robbers had already fled before law enforcement arrived.
Ukandu assured the public that the matter is currently under investigation and emphasized the police commitment to apprehending those responsible. "We assure the public that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be apprehended and prosecuted," the police spokesperson stated.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, coming amid other recent violent attacks in Ebonyi State, including suspected herdsmen attacks in Amegu Nkalaha Community earlier in February 2025.
