The attack took place in Umuhuali, Nkalaha, Obeagu, Nkalagu, and Amazu in Ishielu Local Government Area of the southeast state, further raising concerns about the country’s security.

Eyewitnesses say the gunmen were shooting sporadically, killing the victims in different areas of the communities. They equally set ablaze motorcycles belonging to residents of the affected communities.

Governor David Umahi had also visited the affected communities on Tuesday and condemned the attack by the suspected AK-47 wielding gunmen.

While expressing sadness over the incident, the Ebonyi governor assured the people that the government will do all within its powers to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also called on security operatives to help in fishing out those behind the heinous crime.

“Good enough, we have some traces of the sponsors; we have the traces of those who came here,” the governor added. “I will not disclose it, but I am going to escalate the identities of the people to the highest authorities and we wait to see what they will do.”