Gunmen suspected to be herders have tragically killed a man and his two sons on a farm in Amaeze, Ishiagu, within the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The incident took place on Friday afternoon, shocking the local community and sparking widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
The victims, whose names were yet to be confirmed, were attacked while tending to their farmland. The Chairman of Ivo Local Government, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed the incident and disclosed that security measures have been reinforced across the area to protect residents and prevent further occurrences. Additionally, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he was seeking further details from the Ivo Police Division regarding the attack.
Nkemkanma Kama, the member representing Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo federal constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed deep sorrow over the killings. He condemned the attack, describing it as a vile act perpetrated by “agents of evil who delight in causing havoc and destruction in society.” He stressed the sanctity of human life and called for swift justice. "I call upon the security agencies, especially the Army and the Police, to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act and bring them to justice. I also call on the security agencies to beef up security around our communities, to enable our people return to their farms, which is our main source of livelihood," he stated. Kama further urged the community to avoid retaliatory actions, instead placing trust in the authorities to pursue justice. “While we stand united in this time of grief, the only way we can honor their memory is for justice to be served and for us to work toward lasting peace and security for all,” he added.
In response to the attack, residents of Amaeze blocked the highway connecting their community, which serves as a vital link between Abia and Imo states. This protest caused a disruption in movement, with travelers compelled to find alternative routes. Damian Okafor, a traveler returning from a burial in Owerri, reported being forced to turn back upon encountering the roadblock. "When I got to Amaeze, which connects my own community, the highway was blocked. I met those that blocked the road to know what happened, and they told me that three of their sons were killed on a farm," he recounted.
The community remains in mourning as they call for strengthened security measures to ensure safety and stability across the area.
