The death toll in Sunday’s armed herdsmen invasion of Amegu Nkalaha Community in Ebonyi State has risen to 16, with hundreds of residents fleeing their homes in droves. The attack, which occurred while many residents were in church, left a trail of destruction, with 25 houses completely razed and several others damaged.
Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters accused the Nigerian military and police of complicity in the attack, alleging that they were warned not to leave their homes on Saturday, only for the attackers to strike the next day. The residents claimed that the military and police did not intervene during the attack, which lasted for several hours.
One resident, Edeze, whose phone was seized by soldiers, alleged that the military and police were aiding the Fulani herdsmen attacks. He stated that the soldiers seized phones from residents who were making videos of the carnage and threatened to destroy them if they saw the videos online.
The deputy governor of Ebonyi, Mrs. Patricia Obila, was also accused of ordering mass arrests in the community, allegedly accusing them of killing cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen.
The police have confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies, while residents claim that five people are still missing. The community has called for help, with many residents left without food, shelter, or clothing.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for greater action to be taken to protect communities from such attacks. The Nigerian government has been accused of not doing enough to address the root causes of the conflict and to hold perpetrators accountable.
