The tragic killing of Barrister Eli Ugwu, a prominent lawyer in Enugu State, has plunged the community of Nsukka into profound grief.

According to information received by Vistanaij Media, the legal practitioner was shot dead in Kogi State shortly after delivering a ransom payment to the kidnappers who had abducted his cousin.

However, there are conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of his death. Initial reports suggested that he was shot by the kidnappers after fulfilling their demands.

On Facebook, Senator Chijinkem Ugwuanyi posted on his timeline, “A part of us is Gone! He was shot dead in Kogi state while trying to pay ransom for his kidnapped cousin. The story is not clear since yesterday, but this is the much we know at the moment.”

However, emerging reports now indicate that Ugwu was shot dead by policemen as he and his cousin were emerging from the bush following the victim’s release by the kidnappers.

Speaking to Vistanaij Media, an anonymous senior lawyer confirmed that Ugwu was shot by policemen after delivering the ransom. “He had already successfully delivered the ransom and was coming out with the victim when policemen shot them. Eli was shot dead, but his cousin, the kidnap victim, is responding to treatment. It’s a devastating loss,” he shared with fear in his voice.

Eli, who was an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Nsukka, leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt. The Kogi State Police command has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.