CRIME: FARMER SHOT, BEHEADED IN EBONYI COMMUNITY

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A man identified as Godwin Odah from Akparata village, Effium autonomous community in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been killed by hoodlums in the war-torn area.

Odah was on Monday shot, beheaded and other parts of his body severed while plucking fruits at the back of his compound.

His killing occurred barely one week after Governor Francis Nwifuru granted amnesty to 159 detainees arrested in the wake of an intra-communal war that broke out in the Effium community in January 2021.

Confirming the killing, the President General of Effium Town Union, James Agena, described the killing as callous, brutal and inhuman, coming at a time when the government is doing everything to restore lasting peace in the area. He added that he had reported the matter to security agencies.

Agena said, “We are pained and devasted over the recent attack and killing of a poor farmer who was gruesomely murdered in his backyard while plucking fruits. He was shot from the tree, after which the suspected warriors from the other extraction of Effium severed his head, hand, and leg and went away with them, leaving the body.

“This is disheartening despite government efforts to restore peace in Effium. We strongly demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act be arrested promptly to face justice.”

Effium community has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the Ezza and Effium communities since January 2021. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements, with houses, farmlands, and other properties destroyed.

When contacted, the Ebonyi state police command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said police are not yet aware of the killing.

“We are not aware of the killing in Effium community. Nobody has officially reported to the police about it,” Ukandu said.