Confirmed reports revealed that no fewer than sixteen (16) persons were killed on Monday evening by armed Fulani herdsmen; after 24hours of the reported killings of about eight persons in Adani, Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State, by unknown thugs.
News made available to Obinwannem confirmed that a priest was also killed, and the invaders attacked three communities in Ebonyi – Egebegede, Obegu, and Amuzu, in Ishielu local government area – killing over sixteen (16) residents.
Also gathered, the vehicle belonging to the priest was set ablaze, but the police in Ebonyi said only six persons were killed.
Ebonyi residents were thrown into disarray as they mourn their deceased relatives.
An eyewitness, who preferred to be anonymous revealed that about eighteen (18) persons were killed.
The resident said, “We are mourning. We are in serious mourning, since late hours of Monday. Herdsmen invaded our community and massacred our people. As we speak, 18 persons were slaughtered like animals. They matcheted many of our people, burnt vehicles, motorcycles and looted our properties.”
The Police Public Relations Officers in the state, DSP, Loveth Odah, confirmed it, but said only six persons were confirmed dead.
She said, the commissioner of police delegated a team of policemen for” on-the spot assessment” because of peace talks going on in the town.
“So, the commissioner of police operations and others went for on-the-spot assessment to enable us get details of the report; they are yet to come back,” Odah stated.
Governor Dave Umahi, in reaction to the killings, was very angry; visited the affected communities. He said local herdsmen in the area, whom the state government had an understanding with, committed the havoc.
He said those who migrated to the area were convinced to leave, adding that the killings took place after they had left.
“We feel so sad that this kind of thing should happen in our State. I am going to ‘escalate’ this to the highest authorities in the country to ensure these people don’t get away with this,” the governor said.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
