TWO KILLED, THREE MISSING IN EBONYI COMMUNITY AMIDST LAND DISPUTE
NEWS - Posted on: 12th Nov. 2024 at 12:20AM
By Gbemisola Onigbanjo
Tragedy struck the Ogwor community in Ishiagu Town, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as two people were reportedly killed and three others went missing following an attack. Sources say unknown assailants stormed a farm located along the boundary between Ogwor and the neighboring Omobor community in Akaeze Town, targeting local farmers.
An elderly woman from Ogwor and a laborer, reportedly from the Ezza clan, were among the victims. The source claimed the attackers were from the Omobor community, with whom Ogwor has been engaged in a decades-long boundary dispute. “Akaeze people invaded our farm and killed an aged woman working in her farm and also shot an Ezza man working in the same farm,” a source alleged.
The claims regarding the attackers’ origin remain unverified, and police have yet to confirm the identity of the assailants.
Police and Council Authorities React
Ebonyi State Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, two persons were killed. Police have deployed tactical teams to the area and restored normalcy. Investigation has commenced into the matter.”
Ivo Local Government Chairman, Emmanuel Ajah, condemned the killings, attributing the violence to a longstanding land dispute between the two communities. Ajah emphasized that his administration had actively worked towards resolving the conflict, forming a committee to mediate between the parties. A resolution to partition the disputed land was set for November 2024, with support from local stakeholders.
Ajah expressed disappointment over the recent violence, stating, “To my surprise, this evil act came up despite efforts for peace.” He visited the area alongside security agents to offer condolences to the victims’ families and promote calm within the community.
In his appeal, Ajah urged the Ogwor community to refrain from seeking revenge, assuring them of his commitment to addressing the security issues at hand.
Calls for Peace Amidst Growing Tensions
This incident has sparked renewed calls for peace and resolution of boundary conflicts in Ebonyi State. Local authorities remain committed to finding a lasting solution and have urged communities to trust in the peace process.
By Gbemisola OnigbanjoTragedy struck the Ogwor community in Ishiagu Town, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as two people were reportedly killed and three others went missing following an attack. Sources say unknown assailants stormed a farm located along the boundary between Ogwor and the neighboring Omobor community in Akaeze Town, targeting local farmers.
An elderly woman from Ogwor and a laborer, reportedly from the Ezza clan, were among the victims. The source claimed the attackers were from the Omobor community, with whom Ogwor has been engaged in a decades-long boundary dispute. “Akaeze people invaded our farm and killed an aged woman working in her farm and also shot an Ezza man working in the same farm,” a source alleged.
The claims regarding the attackers’ origin remain unverified, and police have yet to confirm the identity of the assailants.
Police and Council Authorities React
Ebonyi State Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, two persons were killed. Police have deployed tactical teams to the area and restored normalcy. Investigation has commenced into the matter.”
Ivo Local Government Chairman, Emmanuel Ajah, condemned the killings, attributing the violence to a longstanding land dispute between the two communities. Ajah emphasized that his administration had actively worked towards resolving the conflict, forming a committee to mediate between the parties. A resolution to partition the disputed land was set for November 2024, with support from local stakeholders.
Ajah expressed disappointment over the recent violence, stating, “To my surprise, this evil act came up despite efforts for peace.” He visited the area alongside security agents to offer condolences to the victims’ families and promote calm within the community.
In his appeal, Ajah urged the Ogwor community to refrain from seeking revenge, assuring them of his commitment to addressing the security issues at hand.
Calls for Peace Amidst Growing Tensions
This incident has sparked renewed calls for peace and resolution of boundary conflicts in Ebonyi State. Local authorities remain committed to finding a lasting solution and have urged communities to trust in the peace process.
Posted by: Emdee David
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