In a shocking turn of events, the serene Independence Layout area of Enugu State erupted in chaos during the early hours of Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a large number of soldiers stormed the home of Chief Uche Anya, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), in what witnesses have described as a “commando-style” operation.
Residents were jolted awake around 2:30 a.m. when the soldiers, armed with heavy weaponry and backed by numerous Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and gun trucks, descended on the neighborhood. According to eyewitness accounts, the military personnel opened fire indiscriminately, smashing through multiple security doors and ransacking Chief Anya’s residence before abducting him.
One eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene as a war zone. “They came with APCs and gun trucks, breaking into homes and firing sporadically. Chief Anya’s house was left in ruins. Bloodstains were found on the floor, and vehicle windscreens were shattered,” the source said.
Reports suggest that a police aide attached to Chief Anya may have lost their life in the chaos, although this remains unconfirmed. Additionally, it was reported that the soldiers abducted the gatekeeper along with Chief Anya.
Residents in the area were thrown into a state of panic as the soldiers blocked key roads leading to the neighborhood, including Toscana and Brown streets, effectively trapping residents. Those attempting to flee were met with more gunfire, creating widespread terror.
“The soldiers mistakenly broke into a neighboring house, causing extensive damage, thinking it was Chief Anya’s residence. It was pure havoc,” another resident disclosed.
The motive behind this audacious raid remains unclear, and speculation is rife over the involvement of such a large contingent of military personnel. As of now, both the Nigerian Army and the Police have refrained from making any official statements about the incident.
Chief Uche Anya’s abduction has left the Independence Layout community and Enugu at large in shock. The silence from security agencies has further fueled concerns about the brazen use of military force in a civilian neighborhood and the implications of this attack on regional stability.
The incident underscores growing insecurity in the Southeast region, where clashes between security forces and unidentified armed groups have intensified in recent months. Calls are mounting for an independent investigation into the attack, with human rights groups urging the federal government to ensure accountability and transparency.
As the details continue to unfold, the people of Enugu and Nigeria await answers to what many are calling an unprecedented assault on the rule of law and the sanctity of private homes.
Peoplesmind
