No fewer than ten persons were killed in an attack on a community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the Nation, the attack on the Umuezeoka community, which happened on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, also led to the destruction of properties by the gunmen whose identities had not been ascertained.
A health centre in the community was among several buildings burnt and destroyed by the attackers.
Ezza Effium and Uffiom people, both in Effium town, have been having an intra-communal crisis for about four years, which has claimed hundreds of lives with thousands displaced.
The attack is believed to be a continuation of the lingering crisis.
Though the identity of the attackers is unknown, sources from Ezza Effium claimed they were Uffiom warriors.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Gory pictures of those killed circulated on social media on Thursday.
The total number of those killed could not be ascertained but from the pictures, at least nine dead bodies were counted, most of them women and children.
A source from the area noted that most of those killed were children, the aged and women including a pregnant woman.
Another source regretted that the attack came when the state government had initiated moves to bring lasting peace among the warring parties.
“While Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is doing everything to bring peace to the Effium community, the aggressors from Uffiom have been busy thwarting every peace effort of the government.
“Just yesterday, they attacked Inikiri Umuezeoka where they massacred children, old men and women and burnt down every structure within their reach including Amurt.
“This is unbecoming and the Ebonyi State Government should arrest their leaders. The government can’t be making peace efforts and these monsters will be somewhere discrediting the good efforts of the government. It’s now obvious that Uffiom never wanted peace,” the source said.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ụkandu said he was not aware of the incident.
