Again, Gunmen Attack Ebonyi Community, Kill 4

By Benjamin Nworie

No fewer than four persons were killed in Ebele village in Ngbo community, Ohaukwu Local Hovernment Area of Ebonyi State in the early hours of Monday as gunmen attacked the community.

The attackers invaded the village through Agila community, a border town between Ebonyi and Benue States which have been enmeshed in a boundary dispute.

An eyewitness, who craved anonymity, said the attackers killed more than four persons and razed about seven houses.

The state Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, who confirmed the attack, said that the onslaught was not carried out by Fulani herdsmen as being speculated in some quarters.

“The Government of Ebonyi State is in touch with the leadership of the Fulani herdsmen (Miyetti Allah) who denied involvement in the attack.

“The leadership of the Fulani herdsmen has assured the government and people of Ebonyi State that they will not on any account perpetrate attack on any part of Ebonyi State,” Igwe said.

He added that the attack on Ngbo has been linked to the age-long crisis between the community and their Agila neighbours of Benue State.

The deputy governor stated that the military and police have been directed to move into the community to repel the attack and restore peace.

The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Garba Aliyu, also confirmed the attack.

He noted that officers of the command have been deployed in the area.