June 12 was a terrible day for the family members of Mr John Ekpono of Agharoza, Iboko, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as their houses and farmlands were destroyed by some youths in the area following a revelation by a prophet that accused them of being evil.
Factual news gathered that this happened when a prophet made a disclosure that Mr. John Ekpono and others were responsible for the misfortunes befalling the community.
Persuaded by the disclosure, some youths in the area went on a rampage, burning down Ekpono’s houses, farmlands, and most valuables, accusing him of being evil.
The victim’s son, Mr. Chijioke Ekpono, narratIng the ordeal, stated that the organizers have concluded plans to attack his family members.
He stated that the villagers organized a crusade in the village, and the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area sent security operatives to disrupt the program because no official permission was taken from the local government by the organizers.
Chijioke further disclosed that he confronted the organizers of the crusade because his father’s name was mentioned as one of those responsible for evil practices in the community, which led to the burning of their family properties.
Reacting Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Barrister Stephen Emenike Nwakpu, confirmed the incident, describing it as uncalled for and barbaric.
He stated that so far, no fewer than 30 persons behind the arson have been arrested, arraigned, and remanded in Abakaliki custodial center, while others are still at large.
