The people of Izhi clan in Ebonyi State are in mourning as they lay to rest nine of their kinsmen killed in a recent violent clash between the Effium and Ezza Effium communities. The tragic deaths have shocked the entire region and brought attention to the ongoing conflict that has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction.
The funeral service, held at Saint Michael’s Parish, Catholic Church in Isophumini Mbeke Ishieke, was a somber occasion for the bereaved families and the wider community. Among the victims were four members of one family – Mr. Moses Nwodom Ekpiri, his wife Mrs. Nwodom Ekpiri, their pregnant daughter Miss Mercy Nwodom Ekpiri, and her unborn child. The Ekpiri family were natives of Ohagelode village in the Mbeke Ishieke community in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
In addition to the Ekpiri family, the victims also included Chikwado Unachi, Obinna Joseph, and Iziogo Igboke, who were from Nkaleke Mbeke Ishieke. Esther Nwogha Nwodo and Ifeoma Ibina, who were also killed in the conflict, hailed from Okpuduma Mbeke Ishieke community. The tragic deaths have left families shattered, and the entire Izhi clan is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the violence.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in his community. Speaking through his Principal Secretary, Matthias Adum, at the funeral mass, the Governor described the killings as part of a “satanic agenda” aimed at destabilizing the state. He condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
In his address, Governor Nwifuru highlighted that peace must be restored to the affected areas, stating, “This death was a very tragic one; it was caused by war. It is indeed a temptation, but I wish to send my unreserved condolences to the bereaved families who are here. I urge you to take heart because no matter how death occurs, it’s always considered a natural phenomenon; it can come in any form, and the certainty is that everybody must die one day.”
The Governor also noted the painful loss of the pregnant woman and her unborn child, calling it one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of the attack. “The most painful one was the killing of the pregnant woman and her unborn baby,” Nwifuru remarked. He assured the families that the state government would provide financial support for the burial of the victims and the welfare of those affected by the violence.
Governor Nwifuru also promised to continue his administration’s efforts to support the welfare of the families impacted by the attacks. He pledged that his government would invest in programs aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the security of lives and property across the state. “Our duty is to pray and support the affected families, especially their children, to take care of their welfare,” he said.
Other local leaders also spoke out about the need for peace in the region. The Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Uburu, condemned the attacks as an “heavy assault on humanity.” He expressed disbelief that innocent lives were taken for no just cause and lamented the damage the conflict had caused to the community.
Prince Uburu applauded the Governor’s efforts to restore peace in the Effium area and called on both the Effium and Ezza Effium communities to work towards lasting peace. He stressed the importance of peace in the area, saying, “There is no gain in the destruction of people’s lives and properties, which escalated to the killing of innocent neighbors.”
He appealed to both communities to reflect on their shared history and relationship, urging them to realize that they are brothers and sisters. “I urge Effium and Ezza Effium people to embrace peace because there’s nothing like peace. It was out of their recklessness during the war that brought about the killing of Izhi people,” Uburu said.
The local government chairman also acknowledged the tragic nature of the situation and called on the communities to find common ground, saying, “No one can question God because He knows why it happened. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and encourage them to find solace in God.”
Nwogbaga Ogbonna, the Coordinator of the Effium Development Centre, also offered his condolences to the families affected by the violence. He commended Governor Nwifuru for his support and donations to the families of the deceased. Ogbonna emphasized that there is no benefit in crisis and urged both the Effium and Ezza Effium communities to put an end to the violence that has devastated their region.
“There is no gain in crisis,” Ogbonna stated. “I urge both communities to embrace peace and focus on rebuilding their lives and the communities they share. The conflict has caused enough destruction, and it’s time for healing.”
He expressed solidarity with the affected families, urging them to continue pursuing peace despite the tragedy they have faced. The violence, which has been a source of immense pain for those living in the area, has left lasting scars on the people and communities affected. Ogbonna’s remarks echoed a common plea among leaders: that peace should prevail and the conflict should come to an end.
The violence between the Effium and Ezza Effium communities has been a long-standing issue, with tensions occasionally erupting into full-scale conflict. The latest attacks have resulted in numerous deaths, displacement of families, and the destruction of homes and properties. While the roots of the conflict are complex, many leaders are now calling for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed and bring lasting peace to the region.
For the families of those who lost their lives in the recent attacks, the mourning process is just beginning. As the community comes together to mourn, there is hope that the call for peace will be heeded, and that the region can eventually heal from the wounds caused by the conflict.
In the meantime, the state government and local leaders continue to work together to ensure that those affected by the violence receive the support they need. The families of the deceased are receiving financial assistance, while efforts to rebuild the community and promote peace are ongoing.
