Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
At least four persons have been killed in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a renewed boundary crisis between the community and its Amasiri neighbours in Afikpo Local Government Area.
The two communities have been locked in a long-running land dispute spanning decades, during which lives have been lost and property worth billions of naira destroyed. Previous administrations, as well as the current state government, have made efforts to resolve the conflict, but without lasting success.
On Thursday night, suspected armed attackers reportedly invaded a village in Oso Edda, killing at least four residents and fleeing with the victims’ remains. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while some community members were reportedly abducted and remain missing.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Chief Etta Ude, confirmed the incident on Friday morning, stating that security had been reinforced in the area.
“It is true. I received a report that hoodlums attacked one of the villages in Oso Edda and killed about four people. We immediately intervened and coordinated with the two local government chairmen to prevent escalation,” Ude said.
He added that military personnel, police officers, and other security agencies have been deployed, noting that the situation is currently calm.
Ude called for mass arrests to identify and prosecute those responsible. “There must be comprehensive arrests so we can get to the root of this problem. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumamkama, also confirmed the attack, describing it as “barbaric and deeply troubling.” He said security agencies had been mobilized following swift intervention by Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“This is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Such violence has no place in our society. The perpetrators must be tracked down and prosecuted,” Ekumamkama stated.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations and security operations continue.
