- At least two persons were grisly murdered and properties worth millions of naira destroyed as the suspected warlords unleashed terror on Ikachi village
Residents of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were enveloped by trepidation and anguish over the weekend after a deadly attack on the enclave.
A clutch of rampaging warlords were said to have attacked the locality on Saturday leaving deaths and destruction in their wake.
At least two persons were grisly murdered and properties worth millions of naira destroyed as the suspected warlords unleashed terror on Ikachi village in the Akparata area of the local government.
It was learned that the two killed were beheaded while seven persons were kidnapped and five houses burnt down.
The President-General of Effiulm Community, Dr James Agena, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, struck the village early morning of yesterday, killing two persons and kidnapping seven persons.
The statement read: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at 3 am (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 (five women and two men), a total of 12 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, May 12, 2024, where one Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed.
“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 May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
It will be recalled that the crises which started in 2021, have claimed many lives, many displaced and property worth billions of naira destroyed.
Confirming the attack, Police spokesperson, Ukandu Joshua, said the command was aware of the attack and had launched investigation into the matter.