Three weeks after gunmen murdered the President-General of Oruku Town Union in Nkanu East Local Council of Enugu State, Chief Linus Nwatu, another native of the community was yesterday killed.

The victim identified as Chikodili Ngwu was from Ameke village in the crisis-torn Oruku community.

It was learnt the middle-aged man was the ninth on the list of indigenes so far murdered by gunmen, believed to be working for some powerful personalities involved in the protracted communal conflict in the area.

Sources said the victim was gunned down at about 8:00 a.m. on Sunday within the Oruku market square by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

It was learnt that the gunmen fled the scene after the gunshots, throwing the residents into panic.

The Guardian gathered that the incessant killings in Oruku have forced many residents to relocate their families to neighbouring communities and towns, such as Idodo, Akpoga, Onuogba and Emene.

The residents, it was gathered, are worried by the inability of the Enugu State government and security agencies to bring those behind the bloodletting to justice.

Earlier reports said some of the suspects apprehended in connection with past attacks were released without trial, a development that has heightened insecurity in the area.

Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, said he was yet to be briefed about the development, promising to get back after contacting relevant officers in charge of the area.