By CHARLES IWUOHA

An attack suspected to be masterminded by warlords has claimed the lives of two persons and property worth millions of naira in lkachi village, Akparata in Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

News Express gathered that the two killed were beheaded while seven persons were kidnapped and five houses completely burnt down.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the President General of Effiulm Community, Dr. James Agena, said the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors struck the village in the early morning of Sunday.

The statement reads: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at about 3am, (alleged) Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata area of Effium resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, seven Effium natives were abducted, (5 women and 2 men), a total of twelve people sustained gunshot 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 (alleged) 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 the 21st of May 2024 for the reading of the government White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”

It will be recalled that the crisis which started in 2021 have claimed many lives, many displaced and property worth billions of naira destroyed.

Confirming the attack, the Police Spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua, said that the Command is aware of the attack and have lunched investigation into the matter.

He noted that Effium axis is a war zone which everyone is aware of and anything could happen.

He noted that there are detachment of Military and two Mobile Units stationed in the crisis area and they have done well in safeguarding the area.

Update news