the Anambra The community where several people were recently shot at a funeral has asked the public for financial assistance for medical treatment of those injured in the attack.
Paul Nnatuanya, president of the Ebenebe Town Union community union, made the appeal in a statement Thursday.
Nnatuanya said the death toll from the attack had risen to 15 and many were still in critical condition.
“As of today, we have recorded some 15 deaths from the incident, many still in critical condition, despite the efforts of the community and doctors so far.
“These people need urgent intervention for their survival and you and I are expected to make it happen,” Nnatuanya said in the statement.
He said that the community has established a committee to oversee medical treatment and how to strengthen security within the community.
Nnatuanya lamented the growing insecurity in Anambra state, but said it was imperative that residents come together to reverse the situation.
He said government efforts to address insecurity in the area have been thwarted by “village disputes”.
Ebenebe community youth chairman Chinedu Adu, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, made a similar plea for help.
He said that the community has been doing everything possible to attend to the treatment of the victims.
“There is no amount that is too much or too little. The community has already been doing something to ensure that victims’ medical bills are paid. It will be nice to have more help,” she said.
Ozor Chukwuka, 34, a suspected sect leader whose funeral was being held during the attack, is said to have been shot dead by a rival sect in December.
Two people from the family of the late Chukwuka are said to be among the injured currently receiving treatment at undisclosed hospitals.
Unaware of the cultists’ warning.
There was a report earlier this week that the community and family of the late Chukwuka were warned not to give him a proper burial.
The report was credited to a Facebook user who claimed to be indigenous to the area.
Mr. Nnatuanya, who is also the secretary of the community security council, told PREMIUM TIMES that the community was not aware of such a warning.
“I am not aware (of the warning) as the general president of the town. Even our Igwe have no knowledge of that. Except if the warning was given to the guy’s village,” he said.
“If we had known, we would have at least put security men to prevent the incident from happening,” Nnatuanya added.