Residents of Amegu Nkalaha in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are fleeing their homes following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Sunday, which has claimed at least 16 lives.
When Reporters visited the community on Monday, hundreds of residents were seen leaving with their belongings, including cooking utensils and mattresses, seeking refuge in neighboring areas. Survivors gathered in clusters, mourning their losses as they recounted the destruction left by the assailants.
During the visit, burned houses and properties were visible, with residents stating that the attackers took advantage of Sunday morning when many people were at church. Three additional bodies recovered on Monday were seen being prepared for burial.
A total of seven yam barns were burned, while 25 houses were completely razed. Five others, though not burned, had windows and doors severely damaged. Some of the victims had their throats slit, while others suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
After the killings, soldiers and police officers reportedly arrived in the community to console the residents. However, witnesses claim the security personnel seized phones from individuals recording videos of the destruction and threatened reprisals if the footage surfaced online.
A resident, Edeze, whose phone was confiscated, said, “After they took away 10 recovered corpses, including that of retired policeman James Ogbu, the soldiers returned and handed back the seized phones.”
He further alleged that Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, instructed the police to carry out mass arrests in the community, accusing residents of killing Fulani-owned cattle. “She has yet to visit the community,” he added.
