Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on residents of Nkalaha Community to avoid reprisal attacks after armed herdsmen invaded Amegu – Nkalaha village, killing at least 16 people.
The governor gave the advice in a statement after 24 hours of the carnage that occurred on Sunday morning.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, death toll had risen to 16 with the residents fleeing the community for safety.
It also reported that 25 houses were completely razed with two motorcycles and other properties worth millions.
Yam bans were equally razed to the ground, with the people of the community now displaced and facing hunger.
FCNN gathered that the attack was carried out on Sunday when most of the residents had gone to church for Sunday service and others gone to their farms.
However, more than 24 hours after, the governor has advised the residents to avoid reprisal attacks, insisting that his administration would get to the root of the matter.
Governor Nwifuru in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, described the attack as a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
He said, “I am saddened to learn about the attack on the people of Nkalaha of Ishielu Local government areas which led to the death of innocent citizens of the state. The attack is a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
“The attack which is not the first in the area is worrisome and a source of concern to the government and people of the state. However, as a government who is determined to secure our people by protecting lives and property, we shall take decisive steps to unravel the circumstances behind the attack.”
He added, “Our people are very accommodating but strangers should not take advantage of their calmness to unleash terror on them.”
He directed security agencies to mobilise fully to the area to bring the situation under control and commiserated with the families of the victims.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult moment but be assured that you will not be left alone and that the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
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“I urge security forces to bring the situation under control and to the residents, remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.”
