By Christian Ogbonna

Suspected gunmen have disarmed some policemen and killed a Chinese expatriate at a mining site in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

SP Chris Anyanwu, Spokesperson, Police Command in Ebonyi, said on telephone in Abakaliki on Sunday that the incident was yet to be confirmed by the command.

Political Economist NG quotes News Agency of Nigeria as reporting: “It has not been confirmed, but believe me, I will confirm that tomorrow,” Anyanwu said.

Mr Steve Emenike, Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of the state, described the killing as ’embarrassment”.

Emenike explained that the suspected hoodlums came on motorbikes.

He said the council had reconstituted formidable Vigilante Group and banned motorbikes operation between of 7 pm, and 6 am in the area.

“We are working hard to find the cause of the matter and we’re working with security agencies, including the Police and DSS to investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

“We can no longer accept or tolerate this spate of insecurity. Our people are peaceful and we cannot allow evil to germinate.

Some eyewitnesses, who prefer anonymity, said the hoodlums disarmed the policemen, who were guarding the Chinese during the attack.

“The corpse of the victim has been deposited at a mortuary in Abakaliki,” he added.

Political Economist NG reports that there has been a decrease in cases of crimes in Ebonyi in recent months hence the locals see this latest incident as strange.

(NAN)