Several residents of a village in the Ngbo community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have reportedly been killed, while houses and property worth millions of naira destroyed following a most recent attack by suspected herdsmen.
The unprecedented attack, which came a few days after some communities in the State were similarly attacked, happened on Monday.
The fleeing residents claim that the attackers are herdsmen who had allegedly vowed to sack the community over the killing of some of their members and the rustling of their cows.
A resident, who narrated how the incident happened to security officials, was quoted as saying:
“The Fulani people came into the village very early in the morning and started attacking people. They caught us unawares and killed many people. They also set fire to many houses and burnt properties. They said they were revenging the killing of their members and stealing their cows by some youths in the community.”
One of the security personnel in the State was quoted on condition of anonymity, as saying:
“The attack is unprecedented. It affected many villages such as Ebele village in Umuogodoakpa community, and some victims of the incident are currently taking shelter in the homes of some stakeholders.
“But the worst hit is the Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area where many people were killed. We have not apprehended any culprit, as they all escaped after causing such havoc.”
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Loveth Odah, could not be reached for confirmation of the incident.