Tragedy struck in Ebonyi State on Sunday morning as suspected herdsmen launched a deadly attack on the Amegu Nkalagha community in Ishielu local government area. The assault resulted in the loss of several lives and the destruction of numerous buildings, which were burnt to ashes.

According to eyewitnesses, the attack was a reprisal for the reported killing of cattle belonging to herdsmen in the area. However, community members claim they were not responsible for the killing of the cattle, instead attributing it to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) operating in the forest.

Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, a community member, confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants stormed the village in the early hours of Sunday, unleashing violence that left many dead and properties destroyed. The Chairperson of Isheilu Local government Area, Ifeoma Peace Agwu, also confirmed the incident, noting that the victims’ bodies were being taken to the mortuary.

Unfortunately, the police were unaware of the attack, with the Police Public Relations Officer Ebonyi state command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stating he had no knowledge of the incident. The attack bears resemblance to previous incidents in the region, including a similar attack in Ohaukwu Local Government Area in 2021 ².