Tension gripped the Oraukwu community as tragedy unfolded in the early hours of November 21, when a gang of armed criminals invaded the area, targeting shops around Umeji Junction, near St. Joseph Catholic Church and Eze Nnaja Junction.
According to eyewitnesses, the gang arrived around 2:00 a.m. in a long-frame shuttle bus and forcefully broke into a shop to steal bags of rice. They reportedly came heavily armed with guns, diggers, and cutlasses, firing shots sporadically to scare residents.
However, luck ran out on them as local security operatives, already on high alert due to recent robbery incidents in the community, moved swiftly and confronted the gang. During the operation, one of the suspects was instantly neutralized, while two others sustained serious injuries. Several members of the gang managed to escape.
The only conscious survivor, identified as Ebuka Okonkwo, said to be from Amanasaa, Umuchu but living in Onitsha, confessed that this was his first robbery attempt in Oraukwu, though his gang has operated in other areas. He blamed his actions on “the work of the devil” and pleaded for mercy, revealing that their informant is allegedly from the same village they targeted.
Ebuka, who is married with children, reportedly told investigators that each time they went for an operation, he lied to his wife that he was spending the night with friends.
Despite security efforts, the situation took a dark turn as enraged residents resorted to jungle justice, setting the apprehended suspects ablaze — a move many have described as equally unlawful and dangerous.
Community members expressed concern over the rising pressure and desperation linked to the festive season, warning young people against criminal tendencies triggered by “Christmas show-offs.”
A resident lamented:
“See able-bodied young men wasting their lives because of greed. Nothing beats a legit hustle. Be content — everybody must not be Dangote.”
The incident has sparked fresh conversations on the dangers of mob action and the importance of handing suspects over to the police for proper prosecution.
Residents are also advising women to pay closer attention to the kinds of friends their husbands keep and ensure they know what their spouses do for a living.
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