A serious crisis is currently unfolding in the Ishiagu area of Ebonyi State. On July 30, 2025, alarming reports emerged of shootings and the burning of homes in the Egumkpuma Ezza Community, located in the Ivo Local Government Area. These acts were allegedly carried out by suspected Ishiagu youths.

In response to this distressing incident, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Anthonia Uche-Anya, promptly deployed officers to the affected area to restore peace and security. According to local residents, this swift intervention was timely and comforting, bringing a sense of relief and the belief that peace had returned, with justice likely to be served against the perpetrators of these heinous acts.

Regrettably, on August 12, 2025, reports surfaced of another, even more devastating attack—this time in the Ikembe Ezza Community. Once again, the attackers are suspected to be Ishiagu youths. Several homes were set ablaze, and tragically, one middle-aged Ezza woman was reportedly killed in a gruesome manner. Additionally, a young girl and two children were burned alive in their homes. (Graphic videos and photos are available; viewer discretion is advised.) For more details, please see the comments section.

The victims have been identified as:
1. Mrs. Nwankwo Elum
2. Master Ikechukwu Basil
3. Miss Nwali Bridget
4. Master Ebenezer Nweke John

In light of these horrifying events, I commend Commissioner of Police CP Adaku Anthonia Uche-Anya for her proactive response. On August 11, 2025, she visited the affected communities and addressed the people. I urge her to remain steadfast and relentless until lasting peace and security are fully restored.

Furthermore, I appeal to our responsive governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to urgently intervene. Given his pragmatic approach to peace and governance, I trust that he will act decisively to stem this brewing crisis before it escalates further.

I also call on the Ivo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Chief Ajah Emma Ogbonna, and all relevant stakeholders in both the Ishiagu and Ezza communities to rise to this urgent challenge. Those responsible for these acts of violence, along with anyone inciting further discord, must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

For clarity, the Ezza communities in Ivo LGA include:
1. Egumkpuma Community
2. Ikembe Community
3. Amonye Community
4. Ali Mmanu Enwu Community

Additionally, two other Ezza communities—Ikpokor and Ameyo—were incorporated into Abia State during the 1996 state creation exercise.

My name is Dr. Sampson Oko Nweke, a peace advocate and the Chairman of the Human Rights Defenders – Huride (HURIDE), Ebonyi State.