Over 40 Persons have been feared dead while many were seriously injured as angry members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW clashed in Effium Community of Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
Speaking with IGBERE TV correspondent, a resident of the affected community explained that the clash was an upshoot of an existing leadership crisis in the Union.
According to the source, the faction of the Union from Effium clashed with the faction from Ezza Effium over sharing formula for the revenue generated from the park.
He said the clashes spilled into the community leading to casualties on both sides.
Our correspondent gathered that houses, cars and other property were also touched as the crisis spilled over into the community.
There was pandemonium in the community as the crisis escalated with many deserting the community to neighbouring communities.
Also, health workers and Staff of the National Population Commission, NPC, who were on assignment in the area were caught in the cross fire.
Following the incident, Ebonyi state government announced a ban on activities of the Union in Effium Motor Park on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aliyu Garba said over nine persons were critically injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.
He said some suspects had also been arrested while investigation continues into the matter.
“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”
Mr Aliyu who visited the scene said normalcy had been restored as police operatives and personnel from sister Agencies have been moved into the community.
It was also gathered that Governor David Umahi despatched his Deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe who visited the area to calm the situation.
