By CHARLES IWUOHA

A lawyer representing victims of a violent attack in Ndiche Umuomara village, Ndiagu Amagu, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly responsible.

In a petition dated February 18, 2026, and signed by U.C. Igba, the lawyer alleged that a group of hoodlums, reportedly acting in conspiracy with some soldiers, invaded the community and launched a brutal attack on residents.

According to the petition, the assailants were armed with dangerous weapons, including small firearms, locally made guns, axes, and iron rods.

The attackers allegedly beat several villagers, burgled homes, robbed residents of cash and valuables, and inflicted serious injuries on multiple victims.

The petition further claimed that the hoodlums operated with the tacit support of certain soldiers, who allegedly stood by during the assault and failed to intervene.

Among those said to have been gravely injured are Nze Ukwa Nwankwo, Oduge Joseph, Ucha Igwe, Ukwa Simon, and Ejike Nwanchonu.

The victims are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals due to the severity of their injuries.

The lawyer alleged that some victims had their hands tied behind their backs while being beaten and were later handed over to soldiers, who allegedly abandoned them without proper investigation or transfer to the police.

The petition also accused the attackers of stealing five motorcycles and destroying several homes in the village.

It warned that the continued actions of the suspected hoodlums, who are allegedly still threatening residents and damaging property, could trigger a deeper crisis if not urgently addressed by law enforcement authorities.

“Our clients have suffered untold psychological, physical, economic and financial hardship,” the petition stated, urging the police command to conduct a discreet investigation into alleged offences including attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Some of the victims, interviewed from their hospital beds, corroborated the claims of violent assault.

They alleged that individuals dressed in military uniforms supervised the attack.

One of the victims, Nze Nwankwo Ukwa, who is receiving treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, recounted how he was preparing to attend a meeting convened by the community’s traditional ruler when chaos erupted.

“Before I realized what was happening, a group of persons surrounded me and descended on me with different weapons,” he said.

“They injured me severely. One of my eyes is badly affected, and I cannot see with it. They also took N120,000 from my pocket, along with my phone and other belongings.”

He maintained that there was no ongoing crisis in the community prior to the attack but speculated that disagreements surrounding an alleged attempt to remove the village head may have triggered the violence.

The victims have formally petitioned the Ebonyi State Police Command, demanding a thorough investigation and justice for those affected.

Meanwhile, residents say the once peaceful community has been thrown into disarray following the incident, with many expressing fear over potential further unrest if the matter is not promptly addressed.