Fear has escalated in Ataroga, a border settlement between Ebonyi and Benue States, after unknown armed men allegedly slaughtered several cows.
The attack, said to have taken place early Sunday morning, has created panic and forced many residents to flee, worsening the already fragile security situation in the area.
Ataroga, an Izzi-speaking village under Ado Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is said to be largely deserted.
Locals claim that homes were vandalised, property carted away and the community left in ruins.
A circulating video on social media captures residents crying out for swift government and security intervention.
In the clip, a resident alleged that suspected Igede assailants stormed the community around 4 a.m., killed the cattle and dispersed the herders.
The incident has reportedly triggered retaliatory attacks and heightened fear among villagers.
The speaker stressed that the Izzi people were not behind the killing of the cows and made a direct appeal to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to step in and safeguard the community.
Some residents also alleged that herdsmen have struck back, with accounts of burnt houses and casualties though these reports remain unconfirmed by independent sources.
Security personnel have reportedly arrested a number of suspects as investigations continue.
Despite this, anxiety persists in Ataroga, as locals wait for firm steps from authorities to prevent further escalation.
Efforts to secure official comments from security agencies were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Residents flee Ebonyi, Benue border community after gunmen slaughter several cows
