On Sunday, suspected warlords attacked Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, killing two persons and destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Sunday Telegraph gathered that the two killed were beheaded while seven persons were kidnapped and five houses completely burnt down.
Dr James Agena, President General of the Effium community, alleged in a statement made in Abakaliki that the attackers, presumed to be Ezza warriors, stormed the hamlet early on Sunday morning.
The statement reads: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at about 3 am, (alleged) 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 (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, and Ogenyi Abowu, 78. ” This latest attack is in addition to the (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.
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“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’s White Paper on the Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
The crisis, which began in 2021, has killed many people, displaced many more, and destroyed property worth billions of naira.
Confirming the attack, police spokesperson ASP Ukandu Joshua said the command is aware of the incident and has initiated an inquiry.
He stated that the Effium axis is a combat zone in which anything might happen.
He also mentioned that a military detachment and two mobile police units are stationed in the crisis zone, and they have done an excellent job of protecting the area.
