Police | File Image
‘I write to inform you that this morning around 3am, Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, resulting in the killing and beheading of two men’
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the beheading of two people, abduction of seven others including women and the torching of seven houses in Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, by suspected warlords from Ezza community on Sunday May 19, 2024.
The early morning attack is said to be similar to the earlier one on Effium Urban community the previous Sunday, which claimed the same number of casualties.
Police Spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua, who confirmed the attack to the Nigeria News Flight, said that the Command had launched an investigation into the matter.
He further commended the military detachments and two Mobile Units stationed in the crisis-torn area for safeguarding lives and properties in the community.
Also read: Ezza-Effium crisis: Why we rejected Ebonyi govt’s white paper, peace pact – Group
The attack came just before the state government’s new Peace Committee’s meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024 between the two waring communities..
The President General of the Effium community, Dr. James Agena, also confirmed the attack in a statement released in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Agena said that the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, invaded the community around 3am., killing two people, kidnapping seven, burning seven houses, and leaving many injured.
He further revealed that there was a similar attack on Effium Urban the previous Sunday, where Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and beheaded.
He called on the security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute those involved in the brutal acts.
His words: “I write to inform you that this morning around 3am, Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, resulting in the killing and beheading of two men. Seven Effium natives were abducted (five women and two men), 12 people sustained gunshot wounds, and five houses were burnt down.
“The deceased are Obinna Aje (19 years) and Ogenyi Abowu (78 years). This latest attack followed an Ezza warriors attack on Effium Urban last Sunday, May 12, 2024, where Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and beheaded.
“This is one attack too many on the peace-loving people of Effium. I call on the government of Ebonyi State and security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in these genocidal acts.”
The crisis, which began in 2021, has claimed many lives, displaced many people, and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.
valoa2000@yahoo.com
