Authorities in Ebonyi State have officially acknowledged the death of Chidiebere Okpara, an operative with the state’s Neighbourhood Watch, previously recognized as Ebubeagu. The officer was slain by unidentified attackers in Abakaliki.
SP Joshua Ukandu, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, verified the report on Saturday. He stated that the assault occurred around 8:30 p.m. last Thursday in the Ugwuchara area of Abakaliki Local Government Area.
While law enforcement has initiated a formal investigation, authorities confirmed that no suspects have been detained yet. Ukandu emphasized that the command is working to identify those involved and remains focused on protecting the public.
An anonymous witness provided further details, stating that the victim was ambushed while performing his duties. The witness claimed that the attackers fired multiple shots at the operative before using machetes to deliver fatal wounds when gunfire did not immediately end his life. The perpetrators fled the scene shortly afterward. Community members are now urging security forces to locate the assailants and determine the reason for the attack.
