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By Our Reporter, Ebonyi
Unknown gunmen have invaded Ndiagu Orie village, at Umuoguduakpu-Ngbo community, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State , killing over 12 persons most of whom were reported to have been beheaded.
The attack, which was allegedly carried out by Agila warlords, in the Ardo Local Government Area of Benue State, who invaded the community in military uniform, took place at about 2.30am on Tuesday.
It was gathered that among the about 12 persons killed were 5 pregnant women and two Octogenarians, from Umuoguduakpu-Ngbo community, in the Ohaukwu council of Ebonyi State.
Among those killed, was the mother of a journalist serving in Ebonyi State Ministry of Information, attached to the wife of the Governor, Mrs Pauline Nwaneri. alongside her three siblings .
She was reported to have took to her verified Facebook page, on Tuesday morning and call on security agencies for quick intervention.
It was further gathered that the attack might not be unconnected to the missing Naval Officer who was alleged to have disappeared for the past two weeks at Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo, where he was said to have been seen last when on his way to his home town of Agila, in Benue State.
Both Agila community, in the Ardo LGA of Benue State and their neighbours, in Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo community, in Ohaukwu LGA, of Ebonyi State, have had protracted communal clashes, which had defied all the peace moves being made by both state Governments.
The people of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo, had alleged invasion of their community by suspected gunmen in military uniform and raised the alarm of possible attack by the Agila people.
It was also gathered that the prople of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo community were taken unawares as it was their market day and relaxed security at their borders for traders to come in, through all entry and exit points.
Further investigations revealed that those who were killed during the attack include Fidelia Ali, 45; James Eze, 58; Eke Ajah, 75; Idenyi Agbo, 45; Elizabeth Obele, 85; Ogah Oge, 35yrs; Ogba Eze, 81, among others..
Also, houses and farm produce storage facilities worth millions of naira were reported burnt and destroyed during the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi Command, DSP Loveth Odah, who confirmed the incidence, explained that the clashes between the two border towns in Ebonyi and Benue states, had been protracted.
According to Odah, “The police are seriously investigating the matter to ensure safety of lives and property in the area, and to forestall escalation.”
