Abia State was rocked by a tragic incident as the police confirmed the deaths of a Zenith Bank staff and two other individuals, following a brutal attack that has sent shockwaves through the community. The incident, which unfolded in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, has raised concerns over the increasing insecurity plaguing the region.
According to the Abia State Police Command, the victims, whose identities are being withheld for privacy and investigative purposes, lost their lives during a suspected armed robbery attack that targeted individuals traveling in a commercial vehicle. The armed assailants intercepted the vehicle along the busy Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road, opening fire and leaving multiple casualties. Among the deceased was an employee of Zenith Bank, who was reportedly on his way to a regional training session.
Eyewitness accounts described the incident as chaotic, with the attackers launching an unprovoked assault on the vehicle. Passengers in nearby vehicles witnessed the horrific scene unfold, as gunshots reverberated through the area. While some were able to escape the scene unscathed, the three victims were fatally wounded and later confirmed dead by emergency responders and the police.
The police spokesperson, Geoffrey Ogbonna, stated that an investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators, assuring the public of the force’s commitment to bringing the culprits to justice. Ogbonna urged residents to provide any information that could aid in the ongoing investigation. He also extended condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that security reinforcements have been deployed to the area to prevent further incidents.
The tragic deaths of these individuals have sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with citizens calling for improved security measures on major highways in the region. Many community leaders and citizens alike are urging the government to intensify efforts to combat rising crime, particularly in Abia and surrounding states.
