Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
At least two persons have been killed in Ogwor, a community in Ishiagu Town, Ivo Local Government Area area of Ebonyi State.
Also, about tree three others are said to be missing at the time of filing this report.
Sources in the community said unknown assailants invaded a farm located at the boundary between the community and neighboring Omobor Community of Akaeze town and attacked farmers.
An aged woman from the community and a labourer said to be from Ezza clan in the state who was helping to cultivate the farm were allegedly killed by the assailants.
The source claimed the assailants were from Omobor, Akaeze community, with whom they have been having boundary dispute spanning decades.
The sources said: “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.”
It could not be independently verified if the assailants were from Omobor Akaeze as alleged by the source.
Police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident.
“Yes, two persons were killed. Police have deployed tactical teams to the area and restored normalcy. Investigation has commenced into the matter,” he said.
Chairperson of the Council, Emmanuel Ajah, condemned the killings and vowed that the killers will not go unpunished.
He said: “‘This is a resultant effect of a land dispute between the two communities which has lasted for decades, and my administration has done her best to handle this issue since we came on board.
“A committee I formed has mediated on this issue and came up with a resolution that the said land shall be parcelled this November 2024; a solution adopted by the stakeholders of the two communities, but to my suprise, this evil act came up,” he said.
The Chairperson noted that he had visited the area alongside security agents during which he condoled with the victims’ families so as to foster a peaceful atmosphere in the communities involved.
“During my visit, I urged the Ogwor community not to seek revenge for the killings but to trust in my ability to address these security challenges.
“I also communicated the same message to the Umobor community to help prevent any potential clashes and casualties, as trouble can escalate quickly.
“Furthermore, I pledge to apprehend the unscrupulous individuals responsible for this heinous act; no killer shall go unpunished!”
“Additionally, I call upon the communities to maintain calm as the report of the standing committee shall be implemented which I believe will solve the longstanding boundary dispute in the shortest possible time,” he added.
