About eight persons were on Saturday killed in a renewed communal crisis between Ndiagu Alike community and Enyibichiri, both in Abakaliki and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi state.
Blueprint gathered that six persons were burnt to death. Five of them were from the same family.
They had gone to honour their son who matriculated at Ebonyi state University in company of their neighbour but meet their unfortunate death on their way back.
Further investigation revealed that the people of Alike Community allegedly stormed one popular Nwedda market early Saturday morning and laid surveillance till the market filled to the brim.
It was learnt that immediately the market got busy that the alleged youth started shooting sporadically which lead to the killing of two traders whose identity are yet to be ascertained.
Blueprint also learnt that the shooting disrupted the market as everybody was scampering for safety.
Consequently, the angry youths of Enyigba community went back and mobilized.
They allegedly blocked a bus heading to Alike with an inscription “Ikwo youth” and unleashed mayhem by setting the bus ablaze.
Two persons were killed and others escaped with bullet wounds.
They were consequently rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Confirming the story, the Police Public Relation officer, ASP Loveth Odah, said, “It is a longstanding dispute between Ndiagu Alike Ikwo and Enyibichiri community in Abakaliki that erupted that day.
“A vehicle was seen burning on the road. Allegedly set ablaze by warriors from one of the communities.
“The victims were coming from Abakaliki where they attended a matriculation of their son. There was a sporadic shooting which allegedly hit the fuel tank of the vehicle, attempting to escape the fell into drainage by the road side.
“Five of them were from the same family including a little baby and one is a neighbour who joined them. They were burnt to ashes. Also three other persons were also attacked and two of them were killed. One of them a woman was the wife of a police officer deployed to Bornu state”.
