46 killed as suspected herdsmen raid Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu communities

Suspected herdsmen on Sunday attacked some Ebonyi communities, killing at least 30 persons.

This is just as 12 people were reportedly killed in attack on several communities in Ado LGA of Benue State by people suspected to be herdsmen.

In Ebonyi State, it was gathered that the gunmen attacked Odoke, Ndiobasi and Obakotara communities in the Ebonyi Local Government Area.

Sources in the area said the gunmen arrived at the communities around 3am on Sunday.

The communities share boundary with the Ado LGA of Benue State, which has been having land dispute with the Ngbo clan in the Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.

A resident of the area, Uchenna Okpokwu said the invaders came with guns and machetes.

He said, “People that were skilled in Ndiobasi are up to 30 according to the video clips on the incident. Odoke and Obapta are very far and nobody has been able to enter the two villages.

Another resident of the area, Onyibe Jeremiah, lamented that no action was taken to protect the communities despite warnings of the herdsmen impending attacks.

Hé said, “One man from Enugu State who saw the herdsmen when they were coming into the Ebonyi villages made a voice call that went viral, but he was ignored.”

The Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team said two children were killed while being taken to hospital for treatment.

A statement by AMURT West Africa, said, “Many were carried all the way to Ohagelode Health Centre. The Uloanwu Ambulance was called and 11 people –   six adults and five children – were transported to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Sadly two children already died after reaching AEFUTHA.”

Chairman of the Ebonyi LGA, Chinyere Nwaogbaga, confirmed the incident, adding, “The state governor directed that we take injured residents to hospital and also give them relive materials.”

Also in Benue State, 12 people were reportedly killed in attack on communities in Ado LGA suspected herdsmen. Punch