On Monday, troops from the Nkwagu Military Cantonment shot and killed an armed robber along the Akpoha/Abaomege area of the Afikpo-Abakaliki Highway in the Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

Three suspects linked to the gang that had been terrorising motorists in the area were also arrested.

The criminals were part of a gang that had been causing chaos and tormenting the area.

The Afikpo-Abakaliki Highway is the most direct route for people travelling to Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, from the neighbouring states of Imo and Abia.

Our reporter noted that luck ran out on the suspects on Monday morning when the soldiers attacked them, killing one and apprehending three others.

A viral video seen by our correspondent captured the period when locals and travellers commended the soldiers as they were taking arrested suspects away, while another was seen lying fatally wounded.

The police spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, noted that the initial report they received about the incident was inconsistent. He explained that he was awaiting a more detailed report from the Divisional Police Officer in the Abaomege Division.

He said, I have not been able to get anything conclusive; the DPO for Abaomege confirmed getting a report on that but doesn’t have details. So, I don’t have any details to give.