TheCable

At least 15 people have been reportedly killed, following attacks by gunmen on some communities in Ishielu LGA in Ebonyi state.

The attacks were said to have taken place on Monday night in Nkalaha, Obegu, Amazu, Nkalagu and Umuhuali autonomous communities.

Residents have accused herders of carrying out the attacks, but the police is yet to confirm the claim.

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, visited the affected communities on Tuesday, to assess the situation.

While addressing the journalists after the visit, the governor said the attacks were carried out by persons bearing AK-47 rifles, adding that he will ensure the matter is addressed at the “highest level”.

“I remember that about a year ago, we had incident of killing of two herdsmen within this same location, and immediately, the security agencies and local government chairman and the community leaders, all came together to condemn the attack and the killing,” Umuahi said.

“We immediately asked the security agencies to fish out the people that did that. They did fish them out, and as we talk, they’re standing trial in Ebonyi state. The community, the government, and security agencies appeased the herdsmen and made peace with them.

“And so, it is very shocking that overnight, all the herdsmen in Ishielu local government vacated the council area, which means that the local herdsmen in Ishielu are part of the conspiracy in killing of our people. They vacated despite all efforts my government, the governors of south-east and security agencies have been making to protect them.

“We feel so sad that this kind of thing should happen to Ebonyi state. We feel so worried for our country Nigeria. We are short of words and good enough, we have some traces of those who came here.

“I won’t disclose it, but I’ll escalate the identity of the people to the highest authority, and will wait to see what they will do.

“We condemn this attack. It is not only happening in Ebonyi state. If it is allowed to go this way, it is capable of generating very serious civil war.”

He urged residents to remain calm, and promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.