Residents of Amegu Nkalaha in Ebonyi State?s Ishielu Local Government Area (LGA) have accused security forces of failing to prevent an attack by suspected herdsmen, which left at least 16 people dead and forced many to flee their homes.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, survivors said the attack, which took place on Sunday morning, lasted for several hours without intervention from the police or military, despite an earlier government-backed peace meeting with the assailants.

?They assured us that we were safe and should not leave. The next morning, armed men surrounded the village, shooting and burning houses,? said Elder Simon Idenyi, a community leader.

The attackers reportedly killed residents in their homes, farms, and even inside churches.

?We counted 16 dead bodies, including a retired police officer and two pastors. Some were shot, others had their throats slit,? said another resident, Edeze Ogbu.

Residents claimed security forces arrived hours after the attack, but instead of making arrests, they allegedly confiscated phones from those recording the destruction.

?The soldiers took our phones, saying we should not spread images of the killings. Later, they returned them and left,? Ogbu added.

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the attack, saying investigations were ongoing.

?Several houses were burnt and properties destroyed. We have recovered 10 bodies so far, and normalcy is returning,? said police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu.

Displaced residents have appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance. ?We have lost everything?our homes, food, and farms. We have nowhere to go,? said Clementina Ogbu, whose house was among those razed.

Local leaders are calling for an independent inquiry into the attack and the alleged inaction of security forces.

?The government must investigate why security agencies failed to protect us despite prior warnings,? Idenyi said. (The Guardian)

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