No fewer than 10 residents sustained injuries following an alleged attack by suspected political thugs in Ndiche Umuomara village, Ndiagu Amagu, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The violent incident, which reportedly disrupted a community meeting, left several victims hospitalised across different medical facilities in the state. Among those injured were Nze Ukwa Nwankwo, Oduge Joseph, Ucha Igwe, Ukwa Simon and Ejike Nwanchonu.
One of the victims, Nze Ukwa Nwankwo, who is currently receiving treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, said the attack occurred as he prepared to attend a meeting convened by the village’s traditional ruler.
According to him, chaos erupted when armed individuals allegedly surrounded and assaulted him, inflicting serious injuries, including damage to one of his eyes. He further claimed that the attackers carted away N120,000, his mobile phone and other valuables.
Nwankwo alleged that soldiers were present during the incident and accused them of supervising the assault. He maintained that there had been no prior crisis in the community to justify such violence but suggested that an alleged move to remove the village head might have triggered tensions.
The victims have petitioned the Ebonyi State Police Command, demanding a thorough investigation into the attack.
In a letter dated February 18, 2026, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Uche-Adaku Anya, counsel to the victims, U.C. Igba, alleged that armed hoodlums, in collaboration with some soldiers, invaded the community and unleashed violence on residents.
The petition accused the assailants of armed assault, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. It further alleged that several villagers were tied up, beaten and dispossessed of their belongings, including five motorbikes.
The lawyer claimed that some victims were allegedly handed over to soldiers and later abandoned without being formally charged or transferred to the police for investigation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over political violence and community security in Ebonyi State, particularly in Ikwo LGA. Residents expressed fears that failure to promptly investigate the allegations could escalate tensions and destabilise the area.
The petitioners are urging law enforcement authorities to conduct a discreet but comprehensive probe to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
