Crime

Tragedy Strikes Ebonyi Village: 10 Killed, Homes Reduced to Ashes in Suspected Herdsmen Attack

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 3rd, 2025.

Tragedy Strikes Ebonyi Village: 10 Killed, Homes Reduced to Ashes in Suspected Herdsmen Attack

Bandits

At least 10 people have lost their lives in a vicious assault on Amagu village, located in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Suspected herders carried out the attack on Sunday, targeting the village with gunfire and arson, destroying homes and properties worth millions of naira.

According to the Ebonyi State police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, authorities have recovered 10 bodies so far. The police are investigating the attack, and while security forces have been deployed to the area, calm is reportedly returning.

“Several houses were deliberately set on fire, and significant property damage occurred. Upon receiving the report, police personnel were dispatched to the location,” Ukandu said. “We are conducting an investigation into the incident, and while things are returning to normal, we have recovered 10 bodies. Our personnel are on-site ensuring peace is restored.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, armed with guns and machetes, launched the attack in the early hours of Sunday. The Chairperson of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, confirmed that authorities are still recovering bodies and assessing the full scale of the damage.

Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, a resident of the village and former chairman of the Ebonyi State University Academic Staff Union, described the incident as a devastating tragedy. “Our village, Amegu Nkalaha, was attacked by herders today. Many lives were lost, and numerous houses were destroyed. It’s a dreadful Sunday,” he said, adding that the death toll may rise as search operations continue, particularly in the farmland areas.

The attack has deeply shaken the community, and local authorities are working to restore order and prevent further violence.