By Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Government said it received with dismay violent attack on the people of Umuogudu Akpu -Ngbo Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Monday, April 12, 2021, which led to the death of four persons.
In a statement in Abakaliki, signed by Dr. Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor said preliminary investigation shows that the attack was not from Fulani herdsmen.
The statement read in part, “That the attack was not carried out by Fulani herdsmen as being speculated in different quarters.
“That the Government of Ebonyi State is in touch with the leadership of the Fulani herdsmen (Miyetti Allah) who denied involvement in the attack.
“That the Leadership of the Fulani herdsmen has assured Government and people of Ebonyi State that they will not on any account perpetrate attack on any party of Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, the recent attack on Ngbo is linked to the age-long crisis between the community and their Agila neighbours of Benue State.
However, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr Kelechi Igwe has swiftly responded by directing the military and police to move into the community to repel the attack and restore peace.
“The general public and in particular the people of Ngbo are requested to remain law-abiding and avoid reprisal as government is working hard to restore normalcy to the affected community.
“Please be assured of the readiness of the Governor David Umahi-led administration to secure the lives and property of citizens at all times.
At least, four persons have been confirmed killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in the early hours of Monday morning.