A farmer and his two boys were reportedly slaughtered by suspected herdsmen on Friday while tending to their crops in Amaeze, Ishiagu Community, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.

Hon. Emmanuel Ajah, the chairman of the Ivo Local Government, responded to the fatalities by expressing deep sadness and denouncing the incident as “an evil act.” Ajah promised that the local administration will step its efforts to protect the lives and property of its citizens in a statement issued on Sunday.

“I am saddened to learn that three of my people were brutally killed while they went to their field to engage in agricultural operations. I am Hon. Chief Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonna, the executive chairman of the Ivo Local Government Area.

Unfortunately, a father and his two boys were the victims of this horrible deed,” Ajah remarked.

Following the event, local stakeholders, including police and military personnel, Department of State Services (DSS) representatives, town union executives, and community leaders, convened an emergency security meeting. The meeting’s major focus was on how to keep the neighbourhood peaceful and stop more acts of violence.

The community was reassured by Ajah of the government’s dedication to justice. “I firmly promise that, at any costs to the government, those responsible for this heinous conduct will be held accountable. “Watching herders slaughter and maim our people like chickens is intolerable,” he said.

Joshua Ukandu, a spokesman for the Ebonyi State Police Command, told reporters in Abakaliki that police officers were carrying out widespread operations in the region in an effort to capture the perpetrators.

Hon. Ajah expressed solidarity with the mourning community, commending citizens for their calm attitude throughout the tragedy. Stressing that security is a shared duty, he asked the youth to maintain their vigilance.

Ajah’s words, “We don’t know who might be the next victim; needless sleeping over this,” emphasised how urgent the problem is. I also urge young people to dedicate themselves to helping with this difficulty since security is our first concern.

He also offered the Amaeze community his sincerest sympathies, calling the loss of three lives in one day an irreplaceable tragedy. Ajah promised that his government would not back down until those guilty are brought accountable and reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding his residents.