No fewer than six persons, including a pregnant woman, were killed as gunmen invaded a community in Ebonyi State on Sunday evening.
Seven houses were also razed in the attack, which took place in the Ohaogelode community, in the Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Ebonyi State, Clement Odah, confirmed the attack.
Ohaogelode, a neighbouring community to Effium, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, had been enmeshed in a protracted intra-communal war.
The PUNCH reports that the lingering intra-communal crisis, which is between Ezza-Effium and Effium natives in the Ohaukwu council, has claimed many lives, led to the destruction of property worth billions of naira and displaced over 4000 people from their homes.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Loveth Odah, said she was not yet aware of the incident.
However, video footage of the incident circulating online confirmed the arsons and killing of some natives by the invaders.
In the video, one of the victims was burnt to death, besides a building that was on fire.
Another dead victim, a pregnant woman, could be seen in the video with machete cut injuries inflicted all over her body.
However, sources said no fewer than six persons were killed and over seven houses burnt by the invaders.
Odah condemned the attack.
In a statement, on Sunday night, Odah said, “Ohaukwu Local Government Council has received with concern a report of the unfortunate incident at Ohaogelode Village, in Ishieke community.
“The Council condemns the incident in strong terms and reassures all that no stone will be left unturned to unravel the circumstances that led to such avoidable loss of lives and properties.
“The Council has initiated a spirited and discreet investigation to unveil the perpetrators of the act and ensure that justice is done.”
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