Last week, 11 individuals were tragically killed by suspected warlords in Ezza-Effium community, located in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The ongoing conflict between Effium and Ezza-Effium communities, which began on January 21, 2021, has resulted in numerous casualties and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
Among the recent victims were a pregnant woman, young children aged between 2 and 12, as well as elderly men and women from the Inikiri Umuezeoka community.
Reports indicate that during the horrifying incident, a health center and more than 30 houses were completely destroyed by fire.
Ezza-Effium community members, represented by the Ezza Consultative Assembly, have strongly denounced the violence and devastation in Inikiri Umuezeoka. They have also raised concerns about a possible conspiracy behind the attack.
In a joint statement by Mathias Aligwe, the community’s President General, and Bernard Orichi, the secretary, they expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the state government and security forces concerning the massacre.
Efforts to bring media attention and seek justice for the victims have been met with challenges, as the police allegedly downplayed the severity of the situation and delayed taking action.
The community leaders questioned the motives behind the military’s actions in the area and called for a thorough investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths and destruction in Inikiri Umuezoka.
Despite the efforts of the Ezza-Effium people to seek justice and peace, they have been met with indifference and silence from the authorities.
They urge the government and security agencies to act swiftly and transparently in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators, as well as their accomplices.
Attempts to reach the police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, for comment on the situation were unsuccessful.