Suspected herdsmen launched a deadly attack on the Amegu Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Sunday, leaving an unspecified number of people dead and several homes in ruins.
Confirming the incident to Channels Television, Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that security operatives had been deployed to the area.
“Yes, an attack occurred, and police are responding to the situation. The command is still working to determine the precise number of casualties,” Ukandu said.
Ishielu Local Government Chairperson, Ifeoma Agwu, also verified the attack, revealing that efforts to recover bodies and transport them to the mortuary were ongoing.
“We are taking the victims’ bodies to the mortuary right now. I cannot talk much on it now. We will give more details later,” Agwu stated.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, local sources suggest it may be linked to the recent killing of cows allegedly belonging to herdsmen in the area.
A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) were responsible for killing the cattle in a nearby forest, heightening tensions in the community. Stakeholders had reportedly been working to prevent retaliatory violence before the attack occurred.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the incident while deploying security reinforcements to restore calm in the area.