One person reportedly lost his life as gunmen invaded the hotel of the Chairman of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ikechukwu Odono.

It was gathered that the gunmen also burnt not less than seven cars parked on the premises of the hotel, which is located in Ezzangbo in the council area.

It was said that the criminals invaded the hotel premises at about 11pm on Sunday,  attacked and killed one of the hotel occupants, then shot sporadically for six hours until 5am on Monday.

A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said, “My brother, remember that this area (Ezzangbo) has been under attack by gunmen; but the incident last night was the worst of all the attacks.

“This time around, the hoodlums went straight to the hotel of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area and unleashed their mayhem. Some told me one person was killed, but many said three persons were killed. So, it was devastating.

“Nobody knows what’s going on. Just last week, about five police officers were killed. One is wondering what’s going on in Ebonyi North Zone. It’s getting worrisome—I mean the spate of insecurity here.”

A Vigilante operative from the area,  who did not want his name disclosed in the print, stated that the incident took place around 11pm.

He added that  “On that night, the hotel and the residence of the Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, were attacked by unidentified gunmen.

“Onwe Chukwuka, (aka Mature),was shot dead; another person, Mr Odono Peter, Cross, was also shot and he sustained a serious bullet wound. Nine vehicles were burnt.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu,  who confirmed the incident on Monday, said that the hotel was attacked by the gunmen on Sunday night, which led to the killing of one person.

He further said, “Several vehicles were set ablaze in the hotel by the gunmen during the attack.”