Nwifuru: Local criminals, not herders, behind Ebonyi killings

Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, says local criminals are responsible for the recent killings in Amegu, Nkalagha community, Ishielu LGA of the state.

On February 2, at least 10 persons were killed following an attack by gunmen in the community.

The attack, which was believed to be a reprisal by suspected herdsmen over alleged killing of their cows, saw the perpetrators burn down many houses, while inflicting injuries on several residents of the community.

Joshua Ukandu, police spokesperson in Ebonyi, told TheCable that security personnel recovered 10 bodies after the attack, adding that houses were selectively burnt.

In a statement on Sunday, Monday Uzor, the governor’s spokesperson, said Nwifuru spoke after a church service at the government house chapel in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The governor said preliminary investigation by security operatives revealed that criminals from the community carried out the attack, as opposed to speculations that herders were behind it.

Nwifuru had described the attack as a “flagrant disregard to the sanctity of human life”, vowing to deal with perpetrators.