Tension has escalated in Ataroga, a border community between Ebonyi and Benue states, following the killing of several cows by suspected gunmen.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has triggered fear, displacement, and heightened insecurity in the area.
Ataroga, an Izzi-speaking community in Ado Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, is said to have been largely deserted as residents fled their homes amid reports of houses being destroyed and property looted.
A video circulating on social media shows distressed residents appealing for urgent intervention from the government and security agencies. In the footage, a community member alleged that suspected Igede attackers invaded the community around 4 a.m., killed the cattle, and chased away herdsmen. The development, according to the speaker, sparked reprisals that have left the community vulnerable.
The speaker maintained that the Izzi people were not responsible for the killing of the cows and appealed to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to intervene and ensure the safety of residents.
Residents further claimed that herdsmen retaliated following the incident, allegedly setting homes ablaze and killing some residents, although these claims have yet to be independently verified.
Security agencies are reported to have made some arrests in connection with the incident and have launched investigations. However, tension remains high in the community as residents await decisive action to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from security authorities were ongoing as of press time.
