Governor Nwifuru | File Photo
‘The six victims were warriors from Effium, who were caught trying to move stolen roofing sheet (zinc) to the neighboring community in Benue State enroute to Abakaliki to sell the items’
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
No fewer than six Effium indigenes have been shot dead, while others sustained injuries in a renewed communal crisis between Ezza and Effium people in Ebonyi State.
Nigeria News Flight gathered on Thursday that the victims were killed, while fleeing with stolen roofing sheets from the Ezza community, resulting in another war between the two neighbouring communities.
Eyewitness who didn’t want his name in print, confirmed that the six victims were warriors from Effium, who were caught trying to move stolen roofing sheet (zinc) to the neighboring community in Benue State enroute to Abakaliki to sell the items.
He said that they were shot dead by the Ezza counterpart in a local play ground while trying to excape with the loot.
Also read: Ebonyi communal war: Governor warns over missing soldier
The source however disclosed that soldiers have taken over the area to prevent escalation of the crisis.
Meanwhile, efforts to reachout the police on the issue proved abortive, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovewakpoyeya, could not respond to calls as at the time of filling the report.
Recall that few weeks ago, an army officer was declared missing in the area by the state governor, Nwifuru, after every attempt made to locate him failed.
The protracted Ezza/Effium Communal war has claimed many lives and properties worth millions of naira since it started.
Government on its part, has mounted security agencies, especially the Nigeria Army, to restore peace in the affected areas but all to no avail.
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