Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered a full investigation into the recent deadly attack on Oso Edda community in Edda Local Government Area of the state. The attack, which claimed several lives and led to the destruction of property, has caused fear and tension among residents of the area.
The governor described the incident as barbaric and a clear disregard for the value of human life. He said the attack goes against the efforts of his administration to restore peace and ensure security across Ebonyi State.
Governor Nwifuru expressed his shock over the incident, saying he received the news with deep sadness.
“I received with rude shock the news of the recent attack on Oso Edda which claimed lives and resulted in the destruction of property,” he said.
“This act of callousness is a direct affront to our commitment to restoring peace in our communities, and we cannot tolerate it.”
The governor directed all relevant security agencies in the state to carry out a thorough investigation into the attack. He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the top priority of his government.
“As a government, the security of the lives and property of our people is of utmost importance, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is served,” Nwifuru said.
He disclosed that his administration is already working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. According to him, the perpetrators will be made to face the full weight of the law.
The governor also ordered the immediate deployment of security operatives to Oso Edda and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and maintain peace in the area.
Governor Nwifuru appealed to residents of Oso Edda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He warned that reprisal attacks could worsen the situation and lead to more loss of lives.
He said security agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert to prevent any form of retaliation that could escalate the crisis.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones and property in this unfortunate incident,” the governor said.
“Be rest assured that they will not be left alone.”
The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
According to the statement, the state government is committed to ensuring that peace returns fully to the affected community and that victims of the attack receive necessary support.
Ebonyi State, like many parts of the South-East, has faced periodic security challenges in recent years. These include communal clashes, disputes over land, and attacks by unknown gunmen.
Oso Edda community, located in Edda Local Government Area, is largely rural, with farming as the main occupation of residents. Attacks on such communities often disrupt livelihoods, force families to flee their homes, and deepen poverty.
Though details of the latest attack are still emerging, residents said the assailants struck suddenly, leaving behind destruction and grief.
Since assuming office, Governor Nwifuru has repeatedly stated that peace and security are central to his development agenda. He has held several meetings with security chiefs, traditional rulers, and community leaders to address rising insecurity in the state.
The governor has also supported community-based security efforts and called for better intelligence sharing between residents and law enforcement agencies.
He believes that lasting peace can only be achieved when communities work closely with security agencies and reject violence in all its forms.
In his latest message, Governor Nwifuru urged communities across Ebonyi State to embrace peace and dialogue, stressing that violence only holds back development.
He said schools, hospitals, roads, and other public facilities cannot thrive in an environment of fear and destruction.
“Meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” he said.
The governor called on community leaders, youths, and religious groups to preach peace and discourage actions that could lead to further unrest.
Some residents of Oso Edda welcomed the governor’s quick response and the deployment of security personnel. They said the presence of security agents has helped to calm fears in the area.
However, they also appealed for long-term measures to prevent future attacks, including improved policing and economic opportunities for youths.
Community leaders called on the government to ensure that those affected by the attack receive support, including assistance to rebuild damaged homes and businesses.
As investigations continue, many residents hope the outcome will bring justice and deter similar attacks in the future. Observers say bringing the perpetrators to justice is key to restoring confidence in the security system.
For now, Ebonyi State remains on alert, with security agencies monitoring the situation closely.
Governor Nwifuru has assured the people that his administration will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property and to ensure that Ebonyi remains a peaceful state where residents can live and work without fear.