Oruku community in Nkanu East Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State was thrown into chaos on Wednesday morning when a group of militants allegedly burnt down 10 houses.
Bellnewsonline.com learned that among the houses burnt on Tuesday and early hours of Wednesday was that of the murdered traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Mba; former local government chairman, Ejike Ani and his younger brother, Agozie Ani.
The warring group also shot and killed one man on Sunday (Christmas Day) in his house.
Decrying the violence, a victim, Agozie Ani said everything in his house was razed down.
“Over 10 houses were burnt in Oruku from 25th December 2022, including my own, Hon. Ejike Ani and the late Igwe Emmanuel Mba’s houses.
“They also shot and killed one man on Christmas Day.
“Our crime was supporting Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s peace deal on Oruku – Umuode crises and he abandoned us,” Ani told Sahara Reporters.
This newspaper understands that the Enugu State government has set up a judicial panel to look into the Oruku – Umuode communal conflict. Gunmen have been terrorising the people of the area, killing and setting houses of those perceived as opponents ablaze.
No fewer than 11 persons including the former traditional ruler of Oruku community, Igwe Emmanuel Mbah and other personalities in the community, have been eliminated as a result of the conflict.