A tragic incident occurred in the Effium autonomous community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, as one Odah Monday, a native of Inyafuo village, was reportedly killed by suspected warlords.
Dr. Agena James, the President-General of the Effium community, confirmed the incident in an official statement. He alleged that the assailants were members of the Ezza faction, and the attack happened around 8:30 a.m. while Monday was working on his farm.
The late Odah Monday had only recently regained his freedom in February 2025 after spending over four years in detention due to the prolonged Effium-Ezza conflict. His release, alongside other detainees, followed the intervention of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The killing occurred less than 24 hours after Governor Nwifuru visited Effium and met with community elders to reinforce the state government’s peace-building initiative and promise developmental support.
Dr. James expressed concern over the timing of the attack, especially following the recent release of another conflict-related detainee, Emmanuel Igboke Owuru, from prison. He questioned whether the renewed violence was linked to Owuru’s release, noting the unrest and atrocities allegedly committed by his followers.
“It is heartbreaking that Odah Monday, who lost both parents during the conflict while in detention, was murdered so soon after regaining his freedom,” James stated. “The people of Effium remain committed to peace, but this killing raises serious questions about ongoing efforts to restore harmony.”
The community leader urged the Ebonyi State Government to take swift action to prevent further loss of life and ensure justice for victims of the lingering crisis.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
