Gunmen attacked Pinnacle Filling Station, owned by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, along Agbani Road, setting it ablaze around 10 am on Friday.
The hoodlums, reportedly four in number, arrived in a Toyota Corolla and torched four vehicles belonging to customers in the process.
Observers note that Governor Mbah is a well-known figure in Enugu State, having taken office on May 29, 2023. As the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., his business ventures have been quite successful.
However, this recent attack on his filling station raises concerns about the security situation in the region, critics say.
Details of the attack are still emerging, but eyewitnesses describe a brazen incident involving four gunmen.
The motives behind the attack are unclear, but residents say it is essential to ensure the safety and security of citizens and businesses in Enugu State.
“This incident highlights the need for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future.
“They seized the fuel nozzles from pump attendants and used the nozzles to splash fuel on nearby cars and set them ablaze.
“They also poured fuel into a 25-liter can to target three vehicles at the nearby car wash before setting the entire area on fire,” an eyewitness told our reporter.
Our correspondent who also spoke to some residents also confirmed the extensive damage.
The attack has raised concerns about escalating violence and insecurity in the region. Authorities are urged to investigate and take swift action to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, men of the Enugu State Fire and Emergency Service were seen in a video of the incident battling to put out the fire while the state Commissioner of Police led his team to quickly assess the level of damage caused by the incident.
The video seen by our Correspondent shows that the four vehicles involved in the attack were burnt beyond recognition.
The incident was said to have caused panic in the area, forcing business owners and residents around the axis to quickly shut down.
Policemen also cordoned off the Agbani Road, thereby forcing motorists and commuters to use alternative routes through Emeka Ebola to Amokwe and Uwani to Nise Bus Stops.
This is the second time suspected hoodlums would attack Pinnacle Filling station, owned by Governor Peter Mbah.
In June last year, the station at New Haven was attacked, with Police operatives foiling an attempt to totally raze the place down.
Sources said that the attacks might be connected with the governor’s sustained battle against sit-at-home in the state and general insecurity.
It should be recalled that last Saturday, Chief Stephen Aniagu, chairman of the Ogbete Main Market, was gruesomely murdered.
As at the time of filing this report, the State Government has yet to issue official statement on the incident.
Also, the Police in Enugu State was yet to issue any statement on the incident, as efforts to speak with the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful.
