Early yesterday, suspected warlords launched a deadly attack on Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, located in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The assailants killed two people, beheaded them, and caused extensive property damage worth millions of naira.
The attackers, believed to be Ezza warriors, struck around 3 a.m., according to a statement released in Abakaliki by Dr. James Agena, President-General of the Effium Community. Alongside the two fatalities, seven individuals were kidnapped, twelve sustained gunshot wounds, and five houses were set ablaze.
Dr. Agena’s statement detailed the tragic events: “At 3 a.m. today, alleged Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata, resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, the abduction of seven Effium natives (five women and two men), twelve people sustaining gunshot wounds, and the burning down of five houses.”
The victims were identified as 19-year-old Obinna Aje and 78-year-old Ogenyi Abowu. This attack follows a similar incident on May 12, 2024, where Ezza warriors allegedly killed Mrs. Cecelia Omah in Effium urban and severed her head.
Dr. Agena condemned the violence, stating, “This is an attack too many on the peace-loving people of Effium. I call on the government of Ebonyi State and security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in these genocidal acts.”
He also highlighted the impending meeting of the new peace committee on May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government White Paper on the Effium crisis to both warring factions. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2021, has resulted in numerous deaths, displacements, and the destruction of property valued in the billions of naira.
Confirming the attack, Ebonyi State Police spokesperson, Ukandu Joshua, stated that the police are aware of the incident and have launched an investigation into the matter.
