Gunmen have killed a councillor representing Eha-Ulo ward in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nelson Sylvester, popularly known as Ofunwa.

It was learned that Sylvester was killed during an attack on his residence in the Eha-Alumonah area of Enugu State on Sunday night.

A resident of the area, who craved anonymity, disclosed that the councillor ran into a neighbouring compound from where his lifeless body was later recovered.

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“It (councillor’s killing) is heartbreaking; it is too hard for us to swallow. We are in deep agony,” the resident added.

Also speaking, the Leader of the Nsukka Legislative Council, Jude Omeje, described the killing of Sylvester by the gunmen as painful and barbaric.

Omeje said he had led other councilors in Nsukka Local Government to pay a condolence visit to the family of their late colleague on Monday morning.

Confirming the incident, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the command’s operatives have arrested one male suspect in connection with the killing of the lawmaker.

Ndukwe said: “Police have arrested one male suspect and a member of the criminal gang, alleged to have attacked and murdered one Nelson Sylvester, Councilor representing Eha-Ulo ward of Ehalumona.

“The incident happened about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday night at Umualoji Village in Ehalumona community of Nsukka LGA.

“The commissioner of police in Enugu State has ordered intense discreet investigations and manhunt of the assailants.

“Further development shall be communicated in due course to the public.”

The Star