Gunmen attack Ebonyi community — hours after launch of south-east security outfit

Gunmen have attacked another community in Ebonyi state, Aliyu Garba, the commissioner of police, has confirmed to NAN.

Fatalities were said to have been recorded in the attack but the number is yet to be ascertained.

The attack took place hours after the governors of the south-east region announced the formation of a joint security outfit, codenamed ‘Ebube Agu’.

The governors had converged in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Sunday, to discuss the rising wave of insecurity in the region.

The Ebonyi police commissioner said the latest attack took place in Ebele village, Umuogodo Akpu, Mgbo in Ohaukwu LGA.

He said: “On the effects of Sunday attack, it is yet to be ascertained. We are yet to get any report from there and I have not been around. I am waiting for the report.’’

Stanley Okoro-Emegha, Ebonyi commissioner for internal security and border peace, also confirmed the attack.

He said: “They said it was communal crisis, while others said it was herdsmen who carried out the attack, but we do not know the people behind the attack yet.

“We cannot say exactly what happened although we heard about the attack this morning (Monday).

“Nobody has called to say somebody died or property destroyed, but we shall find out. Right now, we do not know who is responsible.”

Gunmen had also attacked five communities in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi state on March 29.

Following the attack, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had visited the state and assured residents that justice shall be served.