In an escalation of violence, suspected warlords launched a brazen attack on Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The assault resulted in the gruesome beheading of two individuals, the kidnapping of seven others, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
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According to Dr. James Agena, the President General of Effium Community, the attackers, believed to be Ezza warriors, descended on Ikachi village in the early hours of Sunday.
Their onslaught left two men beheaded, seven Effium natives abducted (including five women and two men), and twelve individuals with gunshot wounds.
Additionally, five houses were razed to the ground in the heinous attack.
The deceased victims were identified as Obinna Aje, aged 19, and Ogenyi Abowu, aged 78.
This latest atrocity follows a similar Ezza warriors’ assault on Effium urban area the previous Sunday, where Mrs. Cecelia Omah was brutally killed, her head severed from her body.
Dr. Agena condemned the relentless violence perpetrated against the peace-loving people of Effium and called upon the Ebonyi State government and security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute all those responsible for the genocidal acts.
This incident comes just ahead of a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, convened by the new peace committee to present the government White Paper on the Effium crisis to the two conflicting factions.
The ongoing crisis, which erupted in 2021, has exacted a heavy toll, claiming numerous lives, displacing many, and resulting in the destruction of properties valued at billions of naira.
Police spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua confirmed the attack, stating that the command is actively investigating the matter.
He acknowledged the volatile nature of the Effium axis, labeling it a war zone where anything can happen.
Despite the presence of military detachments and two mobile units in the crisis area, Joshua emphasized the need for continued vigilance and swift action to quell the escalating violence.
