Godwin Odah, a resident of Akparata village in the Effium autonomous community in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was murdered by thugs in the war-torn region.
While picking fruits in the rear of his Akparata village compound on Monday, Godwin was shot and beheaded.
Later, his body was dismembered in various sections.
His murder came just a week after 159 detainees who had been jailed following an intracommunal conflict that erupted in the Effium village in January 2021 were granted amnesty by Governor Francis Nwifuru.
The death was confirmed by James Agena, the President General of the Effium Town Union, who called it heartless, vicious, and inhumane, especially because the government is working hard to bring about enduring peace in the region. He said he had informed security services about the situation.
The President said, “We are pained and devasted over the recent attack and killing of a poor farmer who was gruesomely murdered in his backyard while plucking fruits.
“He was shot from the tree, after which the suspected warriors from the other extraction of Effium severed his head, hand, and leg and went away with them, leaving the body.
“This is disheartening despite government efforts to restore peace in Effium. We strongly demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act be arrested promptly to face justice.
A bloody war between the Ezza and Effium communities has engulfed the Effium village since January 2021. Houses, farmlands, and other properties have been damaged, and the fighting has caused many deaths and displacements.
The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated when contacted that no one had formally reported the killing to the police and that they were not yet aware of it.