Crime

Two Beheaded, Seven Abducted, Houses Burned in Renewed Ebonyi Community Violence

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 20th, 2024.

Two Beheaded, Seven Abducted, Houses Burned in Renewed Ebonyi Community Violence

An attack in Ikachi village, Akparata, Effium in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has resulted in the beheading of two individuals and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

Reports indicate that two people were beheaded, seven were kidnapped, and five houses were burned down in the attack, which is suspected to have been carried out by local warlords.

Dr. James Agena, President General of the Effium Community, issued a statement from Abakaliki, describing the early morning assault on Sunday by suspected Ezza warriors. He stated, “At around 3 am, alleged Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata, killing and beheading two men. Seven Effium natives were abducted—five women and two men. Twelve people sustained gunshot wounds, and five houses were set on fire.”

The victims were identified as 19-year-old Obinna Aje and 78-year-old Ogenyi Abowu.

Dr. Agena noted that this latest attack follows a similar incident on May 12, 2024, when Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and beheaded in Effium urban. He condemned the continuous attacks on Effium residents and called on the Ebonyi State government and security agencies to take swift action to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

The renewed violence comes just before a scheduled peace committee meeting on May 21, 2024, aimed at addressing the ongoing Effium crisis, which began in 2021 and has resulted in numerous deaths, displacements, and the destruction of property worth billions.

ASP Ukandu Joshua, the Police Spokesperson, confirmed the attack and stated that the command has launched an investigation. He acknowledged that the Effium area is known for its volatility, but noted that military detachments and two mobile police units are stationed there and have been working to maintain security.