By Zara Nwachinemere, Abakaliki,
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NWAOJ) Ebonyi state chapter, Friday, visited survivors of Ebonyi-Benue border herdsmen attack, at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.
Herdsmen on Sunday, May 30, 2021 invaded Odoke Ishieke, Obakotara Ishieke, and Ndiobasi Ishieke communities all in Ebonyi/Benue boundary areas at about 3:am and killed several persons including pregnant women children, and nursing mothers.
Survivors of the attack were seriously injured and were rushed to AE-FETHA for treatment.
The Association, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, also gave some relief materials to the victims of the attack.
The relief materials include cloths, blankets, wrappers, provisions among others.
Consoling some of the victims who are more of women and children, Comrade Oginyi, assured them of the support of women journalists in Ebonyi state. She prayed God to grant them quick recovery.
The chairman who spoke in an emotional laden voice, condemned the attack and called on security operatives to rise up to their duties.
She commended Ebonyi State government for coming to the aide of the victims despite being attacked in Benue.
She however called on the government to do more by providing adequate security for Ebonyians at the border areas.
“The attack on Ebonyi people leaving at Ebonyi-Benue border was barbaric, inhumane and callous. The attackers are very heartless. Imagine killing of less than a year old babies and nursing mothers. The men were mercilessly dealt with as well. This is the height of man’s inhumanity to man.
“The women are not happy with this and we will not continue to fold our hands and watch our fellow women and vulnerable children being slaughtered my heartless people, yet these men go unpunished.
“Buhari’s administration should rise up to its responsibilities in this regard and deal with these horrible herdsmen. Enough is enough!!!
“Our visit to the survivors today was made possible by members of NAWOJ, Ebonyi state chapter. They made voluntary contributions both financially and materially just to show how touched the women are regarding the ugly incident. I must thank the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi state Council, led by Comrade Tony Nwizi for their support and contributions.
“We will continue to keep in touch with the victims until we are sure that they have been properly taken care of and are ready psychologically, emotionally to go back home,” she reiterated.
