10 Persons Killed, Houses Burnt in Ebonyi Communal Clash

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

No fewer than 10 persons were killed in a fresh attack at inikiri village in Ezza Effium community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The attack on the Umuezeoka community on May 1, 2024, also led to the destruction of property by the gunmen whose identities have not been ascertained.

A source also disclosed that 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.

A source, who spoke to THISDAY noted that Uffiom people were harboured by labouring Ngbo and Agala communities where they coordinate their attacks on Ezza people.

Gory pictures of the victims showed little children, nursing mothers and elderly men in the village killed in the attack.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said he was not aware of the incident.

According to him, “I’m just heard about this on this platform. The information has not gotten to any division or the area command.”

Meanwhile, an indigene of Ezza Effium community, who declined to be mentioned, called on the state Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, to intervene on the communal clash.