Anthony Iwuoma
Over 40 Persons were reportedly killed in a deadly clash between warring members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Effium community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Several others were also injured during the melee.
According to eyewitnesses, the fight was between different factions of the union in Effium and Ezza Effium over sharing formula of the money accruing from the motor park.
The clash was an aftermath of an existing leadership crisis in the union, which spilt into Effium and resulted in casualties on both sides.
Many houses, cars and numerous valuable property were also razed as the crisis.
There was great apprehension in the area and its environs as many people, including health workers and Staff of the National Population Commission, NPC, who was on assignment in the area were trapped in the crossfire.
Consequently, the incident, Ebonyi Statetate government on Saturday banned operations of the NURTW in Effium Motor Park.
Speaking on the incident, Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aliyu Garba, said over nine persons were critically injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that some arrested were made, as an investigation into the crisis continues.
The CP had visited the scene and said normalcy had been restored as police operatives and personnel from sister security agencies have been moved into the community.
Aliyu said: “Actually, it was my first litmus, but like I told you normalcy has been restored. We have lots of them that have been arrested and investigations are ongoing”
