Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Unknown gunmen have attacked Ohaogelode community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State killing many persons.
The community is said to be a neighbouring community with Effium in Ohaukwu LGA which has been involved in intra-communal crisis.
The crisis in Effium, which is between Effium and Ezza-Effium has claimed many lives and led to many Ezza-Effium people taking refuge in Ohaogelode community.
Although the Police Spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah, said she was not aware of the incident, a viral video of the said incident circulating online shows some corpses of the victims.
In the video, one of the victims was burnt to death beside a building which was still burning.
Another dead victim, a woman, could be seen in the video with machete cut wounds all over her body.
However, unconfirmed reports said no fewer than four persons were killed and over five houses burnt by the unknown attackers.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Clement Odah, in a statement, has strongly condemned the attack.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read in part: “Ohaukwu Local Government Council has received with concern, report of the unfortunate incident at Ohaogelode Village, in Ishieke Community.
“The Council condemns the incident in strong terms and reassures all that no stones will be left unturned to unravel the true circumstances that led to such avoidable loss of lives and properties.
“Council has initiated a spirited and discreet investigation to unveil the perpetrators of the act and ensure that justice is done.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes to all the affected families and our beloved brothers from Ohaogelode village. Council re-affirms that both Ishieke and Effium communities have lived in peace as brothers from time immemorial and this peace must not be tampered with.
“The government of Ebonyi State under our peace-loving Governor has worked assiduously to restore peace in the entire Ebonyi State and all hands must be on deck to achieve the task of a peaceful Ebonyi State where love and unity reign supreme.
“Once Again all parties are assured that justice must be done as a deterrent and guarantee against future re-occurrence,” Odah said.
