ABAKALIKI — In a devastating incident, suspected herdsmen launched a brutal attack on Amegu Nkalaha Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, resulting in the deaths of numerous residents and leaving many others with varying degrees of injuries.
According to reports gathered by Hobnob News, the exact number of casualties remains uncertain at this time, as authorities continue efforts to evacuate the deceased and attend to the injured. The assailants, armed with cutlasses and guns, descended on the community in the early hours of Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, including razed homes and shattered livelihoods.
Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, Chairman of Ishielu LGA, confirmed the ongoing evacuation process. “We are currently transporting the victims’ bodies to the mortuary. At this point, it is difficult to provide an exact figure of the casualties. More details will be shared as the situation unfolds,” she stated.
A prominent member of the community, Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, a former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), also confirmed the horrific attack. “My village, Amegu Nkalaha, was attacked today by herdsmen. Many have been killed, and houses have been set ablaze. This is truly a black Sunday for us,” he lamented.
Professor Idenyi further disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of the day, catching many residents off guard. “The number of casualties is still unknown. We are actively searching for and recovering the bodies of those who were killed, particularly those who were in the farms when the attack happened,” he added.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from law enforcement are ongoing. When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he was not yet aware of the incident but assured that he would investigate and provide an update.
This tragic event adds to the growing concern over security in rural communities across Nigeria, where attacks by suspected herdsmen have led to widespread fear and displacement. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent invasion, residents are calling on the government to enhance security measures and bring the perpetrators to justice.
