A man, identified as Odah Monday from Inyafuo village in Effium autonomous community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was killed on Thursday morning by suspected warlords believed to be from the Ezza faction.
The killing occurred less than 24 hours after Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, visited Effium community on June 5, urging residents and local leaders to embrace peace and support the state government’s reconciliation efforts.
President-General of Effium autonomous community, Dr. Agena James, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to the press. According to him, the victim was attacked around 8:30 a.m. while working on his farm.
Dr. James revealed that the deceased was among individuals detained in connection with the Effium communal crisis and had only been released in February 2025 after spending over four years in custody. He added that Odah lost his parents during the conflict while he was still in detention.
The community leader expressed concern that the latest killing may be linked to the recent release of another crisis suspect, Emmanuel Igboke Owuru, who was freed without standing trial.
“It is most disturbing that this attack happened just after the governor's visit, during which he restated his commitment to restoring lasting peace and development in Effium,” the statement read.
Dr. James reiterated the community’s commitment to peace but called on the government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the renewed violence.
Effium community has been engulfed in a protracted conflict involving factions from the Effium and Ezza ethnic groups, resulting in numerous casualties and displacement over the years.
