The Ebonyi State Police command yesterday said that there was a three-day gun battle within security men and Ezza Warriors in the ongoing communal crisis between the people of Effium and Ezza Community in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
In a statement signed by the Police public relations officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyey said that the Ezza warriors in the last three days launched an attack on Effium community and the security forces stationed in the zone.
Onovwakpoyeya maintained that the security forces had repelled the warriors adding that in the ensuing gun duel, the colonial building used as police station was razed down but no casualty on the part of the Police or loss of Arms/ammunition was recorded.
She said reinforcement has since been sent to the men including arms/ammunition and gun truck stating that calm has been restored to the area.
Onovwakpoyeya also described as fake and handiwork of detractors a viral video of alleged policeman in Effuim crisis area lamenting lack of ammunition in the ongoing fight against the Ezza warriors.
He said: “There has been ongoing communal crisis between Ezza and Effuim communities for years.
“Men of the Nigeria Army, Mobile Policemen, both visiting and state based and conventional Policemen have been permanently stationed in the crisis zone.
“In the last three consecutive days, the Ezza Warriors have launched an attack on Effium community and the security forces stationed in the zone.
“The security forces had repelled them but that in the ensuing gun duel, the colonial building used as Police Station was razed down but no casualty on the part of the Police or loss of Arms/ammunition.
“The commissioner of police, CP Faleye Olaleye is using this medium to warn the aggressors to lay down their arms or face the full wrath of the law.”
