Enugu communal clash: Widow, 10 others killed in fresh attack

By Charles Ugwuoke, Enugu

The communal dispute in Oghe, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State has taken a turn for the worse, resulting in the death of 11 persons. Our correspondent reports that the latest attack occurred on the 1st day of March, 2016.

Oghe community has been at war among the various clans over the control of some lands with mineral resources. Efforts by successive governments in Enugu State to resolve the crisis have not yielded the desired results.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi had upon assumption of office invited all the stakeholders in the community, during which they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to maintain peace.

However, a few months after signing the symbolic MoU, the crisis escalated, leading to the killing of at least 11 persons and burning down of houses.

The victims included Pius Onoh, Clement, Madu, Ginika Echendu, Mathias Onu, Obiomo Ozor, a widow, Maduche Ifeyinwa Gladys, among others.

Late Gladys was said to have met her untimely demise when she rushed out to know the source of the noise in her compound. The President General of Oghe community, Chief Hyanith Ozor told our correspondent that, “they murdered the peaceful woman in cold blood for doing nothing.

“They went from house to house killing people and setting houses ablaze.

“Some of our villagers are yet to be seen after the attack- they include- Maduche Chidiebere, Louis Ozoemena, Andrew Onyekachi, Blessing Akubueze, Ngozi, Omenka, among others.

“At the last count, I can confirm to you that 11 persons were massacred; we received their dead bodies; our community has been deserted; it’s now a ghost village, we don’t know what will happen next.”

Confirming the incident, the Enugu State Police Command said efforts were being made to arrest the perpetrators.