At least two people have been reportedly killed and seven others were abducted in an attack on Ikachi village in Akparata area of Effium in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state, the police said.
The spokesperson for Ebonyi police command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, while confirming the incident also added that the assailants destroyed property worth millions of naira during the attack.
The spokesman confirmed that the police have been working with other security agencies to restore peace into the area and to also ascertain the cause of the latest flare-up of communal clashes in the area.
President-General of Effiulm Community, Dr James Agena, released a statement in Abakaliki where he accused Ezza warriors of being behind the attack. Agena said they struck the village in the wee hours, killing two persons and kidnapping seven persons.
The statement read: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at 3 am (alleged) Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata area of Effium resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, seven Effium natives were abducted (five women and two men), a total of 12 people sustained gunshot wounds while five houses were burnt down.
“The deceased are Obinna Aje, 19 years and Ogenyi Abowu, 78 years.
“This latest attack is in addition to (alleged), Ezza warriors attack on Effium urban last Sunday, May 12, 2024, where one Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed.
“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.
“This is equally coming on the heels of an invitation by the new peace committee on May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”
Ezza and Effium communities have been enmeshed in deadly clashes since 2021.
