Renewed hostilities in Ebonyi community result 2 fatalities, 7 abductions, homes destroyed
Violence has erupted once again in lkachi village, Akparata in Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
According to reports, the assailants, believed to be warlords, attacked the village, beheading two individuals, abducting seven others, and leaving five homes in complete ruins.
The President General of Effium Community, Dr. James Agena, confirmed in a statement released in Abakaliki that the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, launched the assault on the village early Sunday morning.
The statement reads: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at about 3am, (alleged) Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata area of Effium resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, seven Effium natives were abducted, (5 women and 2 men), a total of twelve people sustained gunshot wounds while five houses were burnt down.
“The deceased are Obinna Aje, 19 years and Ogenyi Abowu, 78 years.
“This latest attack is in addition to (alleged) Ezza warriors attack on Effium urban last Sunday the 12th day of May 2024 where one Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed also.
“This is an attack too many on the peace loving people of Effium. I call on the government of Ebonyi state and the security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in the genocidal act.
“This is equally coming on the heels of an invitation by the new peace committee on Tuesday the 21st of May 2024 for the reading of the government White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
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It will be recalled that the crisis which started in 2021 have claimed many lives, many displaced and property worth billions of naira destroyed.
Confirming the attack, the Police Spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua, said that the Command is aware of the attack and have lunched investigation into the matter.
He noted that Effium axis is a war zone which everyone is aware of and anything could happen.
He noted that there are detachment of Military and two Mobile Units stationed in the crisis area and they have done well in safeguarding the area.
