Protests amid wailing have rocked the sleepy Otulu community in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State as residents on Monday took to the streets to protest the gruesome killing of seven of their youths who were returning from a marriage ceremony in Awo-Omamma town by alleged Ebubeagu operatives.

The protesters mostly youths of the community wheeled the corpses of the deceased in wheelbarrows and carts.

Some youths were said to be returning from traditional marriage ceremony when they were ambushed by men of Ebubeagu Security outfit and shot at on Sunday. Seven died on the spot, five were still missing while two were hospitalized.

President General of Otulu community, Nnamdi Agbor, described the massacre of their children as unacceptable. He called on the police to ensure that all the perpetrators face justice He explained that the victims were on motorcycles going home when “the terrorists called Ebubeagu opened fire on them.”

“The celebrant is Chijioke Nnanna. The arrested persons are: Uchenna Orjiribeka, Chido Ekesinachi and Nnamdi Ekesinachi. Those in the hospital are; Oluebube Agbor and Thank God Iheukwumere. Those killed are; Chigozie Obinwa, Ozioma, Chikere Anyadioha, Ifechi Ekesinachi and Emeka Ekesinachi, Aboy Ihegboro and Chijindu. Five persons are still missing,” he said.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Michael Abattam, has confirmed the incident, adding that investigation had commenced.

Agbor expained that the victims went to Awo-Omamma in the neighbouring Oru West Council Area and were coming back when the incident happened.

“Our people were coming back from Awo Omamma around 7pm after a traditional wedding. Ebubeagu operatives saw them on motorcycles and opened fire on them. As I speak to you, we have recovered seven dead bodies who are our people, five are missing, two are critically injured and hospitalised while the other person who sustained minor injury has been discharged.

“This is very unfortunate. Our people are angry. They are protesting. There was no cause for the killing. They were just riding home when the Ebubeagu Security outfit opened fire on them. This has never happened before.

“We have reported the incident to the security agents. The Commissioner of Police and the commander of the 34 artillery Brigade command Obinze have visited. The DPO is also assisting. I have reported the killing to the member representing us at the parliament,” he said.