• A man behe@ded in Ebonyi community sparking outrage and concern.
• Communal clash in Ebonyi results in fatalities and destruction.
• Herdsmen attack leaves community in mourning and disarray.
• Government intervention sought to restore peace and security.

One Godwin Odah, a resident of Akparata village in the Effium autonomous community of Ebonyi State, was brutally murdered by suspected warlords.

The attackers beheaded Odah and mutilated other parts of his body in the back of his compound in Akparata village.

Amid Governor Francis Nwifuru’s initiative to bring peace back to the community by offering amnesty to 159 detainees captured during the prolonged intra-communal conflict that broke out in Effium in 2021, a dreadful incident unfolded.

The President-General of Effium Town Union, Dr. Agena James, verified the killing and promptly informed Governor Nwifuru, expressing disbelief at the eruption of such violence despite the government’s peace-building efforts.

Dr. James emphasized the necessity for the immediate apprehension and trial of the individuals behind this savage act, underscoring that the Ezza-Effium community’s actions are obstructing the peace restoration process.

He also mentioned that the victim’s head, one hand, and a leg were barbarically severed. The release of detainees was part of the Ebonyi State government’s initiative to restore peace in the community prior to Godwin Odah’s murder.

In response to the incident, ASP Joshua Ukandu, the Ebonyi State Police Spokesperson, stated that the command was not aware of the attack or the killing.

Governor Nwifuru had previously secured a commitment from stakeholders of both Effium and Ezza-Effium to prevent a return to conflict following the release of detainees. This recent murder raises serious concerns about the fragility of peace in the Effium community and the ongoing challenges in maintaining order despite the state government’s efforts.