The Ezza-Ezekuna community in Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene and stop the relentless attacks by Effium warlords from Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi state.
In an open letter to the governor, signed by Hon. (Lady) Perpetual Nkechi Okafor (LSM), former Secretary Ado LGA and President General (PG) Ezza-Ezekuna Benue Development Association (EEBDA), made available to newsmen Saturday in Makurdi, the community lamented the recent killing of over four prominent individuals at Azaoke near Apa Ogbozu in Apa council ward, Ado LGA.
“This incident, which occurred on December 12, 2024, is the latest in a series of attacks that have left the community in a state of perpetual fear,” she said.
The community expressed concern that despite efforts by the Benue state government to restore peace, the killings have continued unabated.
They appealed to Governor Alia, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to liaise with his Ebonyi state counterpart to bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to the attacks.
The Ezza-Ezekuna community emphasised that they have no other place to call home and are counting on the governor’s intervention to restore peace and security to their area.
“Your Excellency, we wish to bring to your notice the sad incident of December 12, 2024, where over four prominent individuals from the Ezza-Ezekuna community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State were brutally murdered by warlords from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“This horrific incident is the latest in a series of attacks that have left the community in a state of perpetual fear.
“The community has been under siege since January 2021, with daily killings and attacks carried out in broad daylight. The situation is dire, with residents unable to go to market, farms, worship centers, or even send their children to school due to the constant threat of violence.
“It is in this regard that the community is pleading with you to take immediate action to rework the security of the area and protect the area from these attacks.
“The situation is escalating, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further bloodshed,” the letter reads in part.
