Gunmen invaded the Amegu Nkalaha community in Ebonyi’s Ishielu LGA, leaving 10 people dead and several houses burned. Police confirm ongoing investigations as locals fear more casualties. READ MORE
Fear and tension have gripped Amegu Nkalaha Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State after a deadly attack by armed gunmen left 10 people dead and several houses destroyed.
The Ebonyi State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that security operatives had recovered 10 bodies while efforts were ongoing to assess the full extent of the attack.
According to Ukandu, the assailants strategically burned selected houses and destroyed properties, further intensifying the impact of the attack on the community.
“Upon receiving the distress call, we immediately deployed security personnel to the scene. We recovered 10 corpses and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this attack,” Ukandu said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers struck in the early hours of Sunday, armed with guns and cutlasses, launching a coordinated assault on residents. Many were caught unaware as the gunmen moved from house to house, killing victims and setting properties ablaze.
Chairperson of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu, confirmed that authorities were still evacuating bodies and assessing the full extent of the damage.
Former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ebonyi State University, Prof. Ndubuisi Idenyi, who hails from the affected community in Ishielu LGA, described the attack as tragic and devastating.
“My village, Amegu Nkalaha, was attacked today by herdsmen. Many have been killed, and houses have been razed. What a black Sunday!” he lamented.
Prof. Idenyi added that more bodies might still be found in farmlands, as security agencies and local volunteers continue search and recovery efforts.
Following the attack, the Ebonyi State Police Command has intensified security presence in the area, with investigations underway to identify the perpetrators and their motives.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the spate of insecurity in Ebonyi State, with many residents calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed.
Meanwhile, locals fear a possible rise in the death toll, as some victims are still unaccounted for.
The Ebonyi State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.