An assault on Umuezeoka community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has resulted in the loss of around ten lives.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, involved unidentified gunmen who also caused significant damage to properties in the area.
Among the structures razed by the attackers was a health center within the community.
Ezza Effium and Uffiom populations in Effium town have been embroiled in a longstanding internal conflict spanning approximately four years, leading to numerous fatalities and displacements.
It is suspected that this recent attack is an extension of this ongoing crisis.
Although the attackers’ identities remain undisclosed, sources from Ezza Effium have alleged that they were Uffiom combatants, a claim yet to be independently verified.
Disturbing images of the casualties spread across social media platforms on Thursday.
Whilst the exact count of fatalities remains uncertain, at least nine deceased individuals, predominantly women and children, were identified from the images.
According to a local source, the victims primarily comprised of children, elderly individuals, women, and even a pregnant woman.
Another source expressed regret over the timing of the assault, coinciding with the state government’s endeavors to restore lasting tranquility amongst the conflicting factions.
“Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s peace-building initiatives in Effium community are being consistently undermined by the aggressive actions of the Uffiom assailants,” stated the source.
“Just yesterday, they perpetrated a brutal attack at Inikiri Umuezeoka, resulting in the massacre of children, elderly citizens, and women, along with the destruction of all accessible structures including Amurt.”.
“This reprehensible behavior demands intervention by the Ebonyi State Government. These provocateurs cannot negate the positive peacemaking strides of the government. It is evident that Uffiom is averse to peace,” added the source.
The Police spokesperson, Joshua Ụkandu, professed unawareness of the incident when contacted. He pledged to provide updates post consultation with the Divisional Police Officer but had not followed up at the time of press, several hours after the initial contact.
Addressing the situation, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, refrained from commentary on Effium’s security status. Instead, he outlined the current administration’s endeavors towards reinstating harmony in the troubled region.
He explained the progress made so far, stating: “The Implementation Committee and the Peace Committee have been inaugurated and are actively engaged in their respective duties.
“The Line Ministries are collaborating with these committees to expedite the restoration of peace in Effium. The finalized White Paper is set to be released shortly, within the coming week.
“The Implementation Committee is chaired by the honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, with the Peace Committee led by the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amb. Franklin Ogbuewu.
“These committees, alongside the Line Ministries, are actively visiting the area. Government representatives will soon engage with the affected communities to communicate the official stance,” he concluded.