At least 10 residents of Ndiche Umuomara village in Ndiagu Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have been injured in an attack by suspected political thugs. The victims are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the state.
One of the victims, Nze Ukwa Nwankwo, who is being treated at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, said he was preparing to attend a meeting called by the traditional ruler when the violence broke out. He said the attackers beat him up, injured one of his eyes and stole his cash and personal belongings.
In a petition to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the victims alleged that the hoodlums were armed with small guns, axes, locally made guns and other dangerous weapons. They also claimed the thugs conspired with some soldiers led by an army officer in Ikwo to invade the village, beat many residents, rob them and burgle homes while the soldiers provided cover.
According to the petition, the attackers tied the hands of some villagers behind their backs and brutally assaulted them in the presence of the soldiers. The soldiers allegedly later took the victims away and dropped them off along the road without handing them over to the police or conducting any investigation.
After the victims were taken away, the hoodlums reportedly continued the rampage, destroying houses, seizing five motorbikes and chasing people out of the community. The petitioners warned that the ongoing attacks and threats could trigger a deeper crisis in the village if not stopped.
They urged the police to urgently investigate alleged offences of attempted murder, unlawful possession of arms, malicious damage and robbery, and to ensure that those behind the violence are brought to justice. They also complained of serious psychological, physical and economic hardship caused by the attacks.
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