BY GODWIN OBI
Four persons have been killed in Okporojo-Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a renewed boundary dispute between the community and neighbouring Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area.
Several houses were also destroyed during the attack, which occurred on Thursday night, according to local sources.
The two communities have been locked in a protracted land dispute for decades, a conflict that has claimed numerous lives and led to the destruction of properties worth billions of naira despite repeated interventions by successive state administrations.
Residents alleged that the attackers in the latest incident came from the Amasiri axis, though this claim has not been officially confirmed.
The attack has plunged the affected community into mourning and renewed concerns over the failure to permanently resolve the long-standing boundary dispute.
Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Etta Uka Ude, described the killings as “barbaric, unlawful and totally unacceptable.”
He noted that the location of the attack was not within the disputed land area, a development he said made the incident even more troubling.
“By the time security agencies arrived, the damage had already been done,” Ude said, adding that the state government immediately activated security measures to prevent further escalation.
According to him, tactical police units and military personnel have since been deployed to the area, restoring relative calm.
Ude disclosed that investigations had commenced to identify and arrest those responsible, stressing that no individual or group was above the law.
“We are determined to get to the root of this matter. Those involved will be apprehended and prosecuted. Violence will not be tolerated in any form,” he said.
He also urged residents of both communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the situation, including reprisals and obstruction of public movement.
The Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr Chima Ekumankama, also confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic and senseless act of violence.
He said security agencies were mobilised to the area following the intervention of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“This is a deeply painful incident. No society should witness such cruelty. Those responsible must be brought to justice,” Ekumankama said.
Meanwhile, Governor Francis Nwifuru has condemned the killings, describing them as a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, the governor directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are arrested.
“I received the news of this attack with shock. This act of violence undermines our commitment to peace and development, and it will not be tolerated,” the governor said.
He appealed to the affected communities to avoid retaliation and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.
Nwifuru assured the families of the victims of the government’s support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace across the state.
“No development can thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction,” the governor said.
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2026-01-31