Unknown gunmen have attacked commuters and students of Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu, killing one of the students identified as Edeh Donald, leaving three others injured.
It was gathered that the students were returning to the school after visiting a Final Religious Profession of some Marist Brothers in Orlu, Imo State when they were attacked by the gunmen around Ihube road in Okigwe LGA.
Rev (Bro) Joachim Ezetulugo, the principal of the school while confirming the development, told newsmen on Sunday that the incident occurred at about 5:30 pm on Saturday.
According to him, the students and staff had a trouble-free journey from Orlu after a successful outing, until about 11 kilometers away from the school compound, when armed gunmen emerged from the forest and opened fire on them, leading to the death of the student.
Meanwhile, Abia state government, through its commissioner of information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu has expressed sadness over the attack, which claimed the life of a student.
Kalu stated that the Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the state Commissioner of Police, Janet Agbede, to, as a matter of urgency, liaise with the Imo State police command to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
He further revealed that the three students who sustained injuries from the attack have been treated and discharged while the parents of the deceased student have been contacted.
However, the commissioner denied reports stating that students of Abia State University, Uturu were abducted, as he disclosed that the management of the institution confirmed that no student was abducted.
The statement read in part, “The circulating report sponsored by these unconscionable individuals that ten students of Abia State University, Uturu, were abducted yesterday is not only untrue but also wicked and creation of the evil minds of those who are ready to do anything in pursuit of their selfish objectives against the overall interests of the State.
“The management of Abia State University, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Maxwell Ogbulu, has confirmed that no student of the institution was abducted yesterday as against fake reports obviously sponsored by these elements.
“We shall however continue to update Abians on issues affecting the State and her people with sincerity of purpose.”
