Two killed in Ebonyi communal war

By Agbo Sunday, Abakaliki

Two elderly individuals have been killed amid the long-standing land conflict between the people of Umuobor, Akaeze, and their Ogwor neighbours in Ishiagu, both in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The victims, both farmers, were reportedly murdered on Monday.

The Akaeze and Ogwor communities have been locked in a bitter feud for over five decades over a large expanse of fertile land known as Elueke. The prolonged dispute has led to significant loss of life and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.

In an effort to quell the crisis, Governor Francis Nwifuru declared the disputed land a buffer zone and established a committee to devise a lasting resolution.

However, violence, including killings, assaults, and destruction of property, has persisted despite these interventions.

On Monday, suspected armed factions reportedly killed a man and a woman on the disputed land.

A concerned individual, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, took to social media to express frustration over the ongoing violence. He stated that he had previously written to Governor Nwifuru, urging urgent action to end the bloodshed, but claimed no concrete steps had been taken.

Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he had yet to receive any official report regarding the incident from officers stationed in Ivo Local Government Area.