Unknown gunmen have shot dead a serving corps member, Ekene Uwaoma in Owerri, Imo State as they attempted to rob him of his hand phone.
The tragic incident happened on Tuesday evening at the popular Ama-wire Junction as the corps member and his friend, identified simply as MacDonald, were reportedly returning to their residence.
The 23-year-old was a 2016 graduate of History and International Studies from the Imo State University, Owerri, and was undertaking his one year National Youths Service Corps programme in Ogun State.
The deceased was said to have come to the state to see his mother, Mrs. Mary Uwaoma, where he met his untimely death.
According to his friend, MacDonald, he was with the deceased when the gunmen accosted them and demanded their mobile phones.
He said, “We were returning home from where we went to buy food. Suddenly, four boys bearing arms stopped and asked us to surrender our phones. I quickly gave them mine, but Ekene (Uwaoma) refused to surrender his phone.
“They started struggling and I ran away. They shot him on the chest and ran away. They also shot into the air to scare people away.”
It is understood that Uwaoma was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where doctors confirmed him dead.
Macdonald added, “The gunmen didn’t go with his phone. It was a pity. This was the first time somebody was killed in my presence. I am heartbroken. His picture keeps appearing in my mind. I can’t bear it.”
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike confirmed the incident and said a manhunt for the killers has been activated.
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