The councillor representing Echara Ward 2 in Okposi Community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mr. Ogbonnaya Ugwu, popularly known as “Spaco”, has been assassinated by unknown persons.

Mr Ugwu was killed around 10 p.m. on Saturday as he was returning from his shop. 

Sources said Ugwu was accosted by the gunmen around Okposi Court Area junction.

“The councillor was accosted while he was returning from his shop, a popular drinking joint, in Okposi known as Angle 90.

“They shot at him and he fell inside the gutter, and immediately they set him ablaze and left the scene.

“As I am talking to you now, Mgbo N’echara youths in Okposi are currently protesting over the incident,” one of the sources said.

Police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the killing.

She said the police were investigating the incident.

It is unclear for now if the killing has any connection with politics.

The insecurity in Ebonyi State has degenerated lately, with the state recording several politically motivated attacks and killings.

Last month, a monarch, Igboke Ewa, was killed by gunmen suspected to be political thugs.