Suspected warlords, yesterday, beheaded two persons, abducted seven others, including women, and set five houses ablaze. The incident happened in Ikachi village at the Akparata area of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Council of Ebonyi State.
President General of Effium community, Dr James Agena, said the killers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, invaded the community at about 3:00 a.m. He said there were similar attacks last Sunday, where one Mrs Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed.
He called on security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. He said: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at about 3:00 a.m., people suspected to be Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, resulting in the killing and beheading of two men and abduction of seven Effium natives (five women and two men). Twelve people received 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 Ezza warriors’ attack on Effium Urban last Sunday, May 12, where one Mrs Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed.
“This is one 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, May 21, for the reading of the government’s White Paper on the Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
Confirming the attack, spokesperson for Ebonyi State Police Command, ASP Ukandu Joshua, said the command has launched an investigation into the matter. He said there was a detachment of security agencies in the crisis area, adding that they have done well in safeguarding the place.
The crisis which started in 2021 has claimed many lives and displaced people, while properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed.
