Fear In Ebonyi State As Herdsmen Massacre Farmers In Akaeze

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Fear In Ebonyi State As Herdsmen Massacre Farmers In Akaeze

No fewer than four persons were critically battered on Tuesday in Akaeze community, Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State following a clash between herdsmen and farmers.

It is reported that 3 herdsmen were left with head injuries, while one of the farmers received machete cuts on various parts of his body.

Investigation revealed that the farmer is receiving treatment at the Emergency Ward of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) while the injured herdsmen were receiving treatment at a hospital in Awgu, Enugu state.

It was equally gathered that the residents of the community have fled for fear of reprisal attacks from the herdsmen.

Reports revealed that herdsmen from Mpu, Enugu State invaded farmlands in Akaeze and destroyed crops, which angered one of the farmers who was attacked with machete when he confronted them.

However, the development forced Governor David Umahi to ban grazing in the local government area until investigation into the matter was concluded.

In order to bring normalcy to the area, Umahi, directed the security chiefs in the state to set-up 10-man committee to investigate the cause of the crisis.

He said: “This issue is becoming complicated. I want the CP (commissioner of police), the Army and the DSS to set up a committee.

“It should be a 10-man committee to investigate the matter and we will convene another emergency security meeting on the matter.

“The investigation should commence immediately. But I am banning any herdsman from entering into Ivo local government until this investigation is completed and I want the security men to carry out my instruction.

“No herdsman should enter the place, no cattle should enter Ivo local government again until investigation is completed.

“I want the security chiefs to note it down that any herdsman that is coming into Ebonyi must follow the procedure and must not ‘carry’ animals late into Ebonyi state. You bring animals via vehicles and there is no cattle routes in Ebonyi state”, he said.

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