Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Tension has mounted in the quiet community of Akparata Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as two persons have been reportedly killed, seven others Kidnapped by suspected warlords in Ikachi
Five houses were also reportedly razed in the area when they attacked the community early yesterday morning.
The people of Effium and Ezza-Effium in the area have been at war since January 21, 2021 with many lives lost and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.
About two weeks ago, suspected fighters attacked Inikiri Umuezeoka in the community and killed eleven people, including a pregnant woman, children between ages of two and 12, elderly men and women and burnt 30 houses.
A health centre built by an international organisation, AMURT foundation for the community, was also burnt by the warlords. The attack on the Ikachi Akparata may be a reprisal to the Inikiri Umuezeoka incident.
President General of Effium community, Dr. James Agena, said the warlords invaded the community by 3am in the morning, killed two people, kidnapped seven, burnt seven houses and left many injured.
He said that there were similar attacks on Effium urban last Sunday, where one Mrs Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed. He called on security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in the act.
“I write to put you on notice that this morning, at about 3am, Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, seven Effium natives abducted (five women and two men), a total of 12 people received gun shot wounds while five houses were burnt down. The deceased are Obinna Aje (19 years) and Ogenyi Abowu (78 years). This latest attack is in addition to Ezza warriors’ attack on Effium urban, last Sunday, the 12th day of May, 2024, where one Mrs Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed also.
“This is an attack too many on the peace loving people of Effium. I call on the government of Ebonyi State and the security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in the genocidal act.
“This is equally coming on the heels of an invitation by the new peace committee, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government’s White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions”, he said.
The state command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ukandu Joshua, confirmed the attack.
He said that there were military and mobile police units stationed in the community to protect the people.