Two people were beheaded, seven others including women were kidnapped, and five houses were razed in an attack by suspected warlords early this morning at Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
President General of the Effium community, Dr. James Agena, in a statement released in Abakaliki, the state capital, said that the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, invaded the community around 3 a.m., killing two people, kidnapping seven, burning seven houses, and leaving many injured.
He noted that there was a similar attack on Effium Urban last Sunday, where Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and beheaded. He called on security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute those involved in these genocidal acts.
“I write to inform you that this morning around 3 a.m., 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), twelve people sustained gunshot wounds, and five houses were burnt down,” Agena said.
“The deceased are Obinna Aje (19 years) and Ogenyi Abowu (78 years). This latest attack follows 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.”
“This attack comes just before the new peace committee’s meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government White Paper on the Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
The crisis, which began in 2021, has claimed many lives, displaced many people, and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.
Police Spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua, confirmed the attack and said the Command has launched an investigation into the matter.
He noted that military detachments and two Mobile Units stationed in the crisis area have done well in safeguarding the area.
