In a distressing turn of events on Monday, a group of individuals, suspected to be enforcing a sit-at-home order, wreaked havoc in Ezzangbo community, located in Ebonyi State. This particular community holds significance as the hometown of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Government in Exile.

The assailants, numbering about eight and operating from a Sienna bus, descended upon the area with destructive intent. They left behind a trail of destruction that included the burning of three vehicles, five motorcycles, and the ransacking of various valuable items. As they carried out their menacing actions, they reportedly chanted slogans decrying the existence of markets in Igbo land, sending shockwaves throughout the community.

A video capturing the harrowing scenes had already circulated on social media hours before our correspondent arrived at the scene. In the footage, one could witness the vehicles, motorcycles, stores, and precious possessions consumed by flames, while residents scrambled to find safety.

This incident marks the third time in 2023 that Ezzangbo has fallen victim to such violent attacks by unidentified hoodlums.

Confirming the unfortunate event, the Ebonyi State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, issued a statement. She revealed that on the fateful day of October 2, 2023, a group of armed individuals, suspected to be affiliated with IPOB/ESN, unleashed an attack using a Sienna car. Their targets were commuter buses, tricycles, and motorcycles at Ezzangbo Junction. In their wake, they left three commuter buses, four motorcycles, and one tricycle reduced to ashes. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the wake of this appalling act.

SP Onovwakpoyeya assured the public that the Ebonyi State Police Command had promptly dispatched its operatives to the scene and its vicinity, with the intention of identifying and apprehending those responsible. She expressed confidence that, by the end of the day, the culprits would be brought to justice, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos that had engulfed Ezzangbo community.