Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, on June 30, 2025, condemned the killing of five Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra State’s Nnewi market, demanding a comprehensive probe by security agencies.
The victims, traders aged 25–40, were attacked on June 28 during a dispute over market levies, with assailants using machetes and firearms, leaving 10 others injured. Nwifuru, addressing a press conference, described the incident as “barbaric,” noting Ebonyi’s 1 million traders face increasing violence, with 50 deaths in 2024. He urged Anambra Governor Charles Soludo to ensure justice, deploying a 200-man task force to Nnewi.
The killings, linked to local gang rivalries, have heightened tensions, with 60% of Ebonyi’s 3 million residents demanding federal intervention. The probe, backed by N50 million, will involve the DSS and police, targeting 20 suspects.
Nwifuru, whose state contributes 5% to Nigeria’s rice production, warned that insecurity threatens $1 billion in trade. Community leaders, representing 500,000 traders, plan a July 15 summit to address cross-state violence, aiming to protect Ebonyi’s 10,000 market vendors by 2026.