How Soldiers Killed Two Local Security Guards in Enugu, Senate Panel Reports

In a disturbing report, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions detailed how two local security guards were killed by soldiers while attempting to thwart a robbery at 9th Mile, Udi Local Government area of Enugu State.

The guards, Chukwuemeka Okeh and Nechinyere Mbah, members of the Eke Neighbourhood Guards, were killed on June 29, 2023, after a robbery gang attacked the area.

During a plenary session on Tuesday, committee chairman Imasuen Bernards presented the findings, stating that the soldiers unjustly killed the local guards. Bernards, representing Edo South Senatorial District, also noted that three other members of the neighborhood guard were injured by the military personnel.

Bernards recounted the events, explaining that the Eke Neighborhood Watch received a distress call around 6 p.m. on June 29 about a robbery along Eke road, near the Nigerian Breweries Plc. (AMA Breweries). The guards, who were attending an event at 9th Mile, immediately notified the 9th Mile Police Station of their intention to respond to the situation. With police assurance of support, they proceeded to the crime scene.

Facing a traffic gridlock near AMA Breweries, the guards were forced to continue on foot. Upon reaching the scene, they encountered three soldiers who initially allowed them to proceed after confirming their identities as members of the Eke Neighborhood Vigilante Group.

However, as they approached, the soldiers suddenly opened fire at close range, killing Okeh and Mbah and injuring Assistant CSO Emeka Anigbo, Obinna Offor, and Okolo Chinedu.

The Senate committee recommended that the Nigerian Army visit the community to offer condolences to the families of the slain guards and provide compensation. They also suggested that the army should educate civilians on military operations and enhance collaboration with the police and other paramilitary agencies to ensure better security across the nation.