Herdsmen Raid Ebonyi Community, Kill Several Residents
A devastating attack on Amegu Nkalaha Community in Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has left many dead and homes destroyed.
The violence, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen, has thrown the community into mourning.
Authorities Confirm Casualties
The Chairperson of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, confirmed the attack, stating that the exact number of casualties is yet to be determined as efforts are still ongoing to recover bodies.
“We are currently moving victims to the mortuary. Further details will be provided later,” she stated.
Possible Retaliatory Attack
Reports suggest the attack may have been a reprisal for the recent killing of cows belonging to herdsmen in the area.
Eyewitness Accounts
A local resident, Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, describing it as a “black Sunday” and stating that several people were killed, and homes were burned to the ground.
Speaking in a phone interview, Idenyi revealed that the attack occurred early Sunday morning, with many residents killed in their homes and farms.
“We are still trying to recover the bodies, especially those killed in the farmlands,” he added.
Religious Leaders Among the Victims
Sources report that a pastor and an evangelist were among those killed during the invasion.
One community member, who requested anonymity, denied any involvement in the killing of the cows, blaming it instead on members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) operating in nearby forests.
Tension in the Community
Following the killing of the cows, community leaders had been making frantic efforts to prevent an attack.
“We have been living in fear since then. Our leaders tried to prevent this violence, but sadly, the herdsmen still stormed our community at dawn and caused massive destruction,” a resident lamented.
Police Response
When contacted, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he was unaware of the incident at the time.
Final Thoughts
The attack highlights the rising tensions between herders and local communities in Nigeria.
While authorities continue their investigations, residents of Amegu Nkalaha remain in shock and fear.
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