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Tension continues to rise in Atararoga, an Izzi-speaking border community in Ado Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a violent incident that has reportedly left residents fleeing their homes in fear.
According to reports and a circulating video on social media, suspected gunmen believed to be from the Igede ethnic group invaded the community around 4:00 a.m. on a recent morning. In the footage, distressed community members alleged that the attackers killed several cows belonging to herders, chased away the herdsmen, and caused widespread panic.
The community spokesperson in the video strongly denied any involvement by the Izzi people in the killing of the cattle and made a direct appeal to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, urging immediate government intervention and protection for residents.
Following the initial attack, there have been unverified claims of retaliation by herdsmen, including reports of homes being set ablaze, properties looted or destroyed, and some residents allegedly killed. These reprisal allegations remain unconfirmed by independent sources as of the time of filing this report.
Security agencies are said to have made some arrests in connection with the incident, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full facts and identify those responsible. Despite these efforts, the atmosphere in Atararoga remains highly charged, with many residents deserting the area amid fears of further violence.
The border location between Ebonyi and Benue states has long been a flashpoint for communal clashes, often linked to farmer-herder disputes, land ownership issues, and ethnic tensions. The latest development has once again highlighted the fragility of peace in such frontier communities and the urgent need for sustained security presence and dialogue.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation and detailed comments from security authorities in both Ebonyi and Benue states were ongoing at press time. Residents and community leaders continue to call for decisive action to de-escalate the situation, restore calm, and prevent a wider escalation that could affect neighbouring communities across the state boundary.
