The people of Effium in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State have cried out over renewed killings in their community, lamenting Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s alleged silence.
Their outcry followed the gruesome murder of a native, Odah Monday Igwe, who was reportedly ambushed on his farmland in Effium Urban on June 5, 2025.
The incident, according to a press statement by the chairman, Effium Diaspora, Ejem Friday, was another targeted attack by suspected Ezza warriors backed by powerful political allies.
He alleged that the attackers enjoy protection from highly placed figures in government who share ethnic affiliations and political interests with them, insisting that the killing happened without provocation and reflects a broader, ongoing campaign of violence against Effium natives.
“This dangerous precedent has given the …Ezza people an open license to kill, maim and destroy. It is clear that the Governor is not interested in peace, he is playing politics with our blood,” he said.
According to him, the killing of Igwe is just one of several violent incidents targeting natives, all of which have gone unanswered by the state government.
He said in October 2022, an innocent peacekeeping officer was also killed by Ezza warriors without consequence. Similarly, the Bishop M. N. Okoro Peace Committee’s recommendations have reportedly been ignored by the government.
The Effium community therefore called on the global community to take note of the worsening crisis and the government’s alleged inaction.
They demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of key Ezza leaders and warlords, including political appointees whom they accuse of orchestrating the crisis.
“If the governor is truly sincere about peace, let him prove it, not by empty words, but by action. He must bring the killers to justice. Enough is enough,” he said.
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