By James
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At least four persons have been killed, several others injured, and multiple houses destroyed following a renewed boundary clash between Okporojo-Oso Edda community in Edda Local Government Area and neighbouring Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The latest violence, which erupted late Thursday night, is the newest chapter in a decades-long dispute between the two communities over farmlands, a conflict that has claimed numerous lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira despite repeated peace efforts by successive state governments.
Community sources said two bodies were recovered after the attack, while two other persons were initially declared missing. Several residents reportedly sustained injuries, and many houses were set ablaze during the invasion.
Residents alleged that the attackers came from the Amasiri axis, though this claim had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the violence, including burnt houses and the bodies of victims. The footage has sparked outrage and fear across the state.
Confirming the incident, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr. Etta Uka Ude, described the killings as “barbaric, unlawful and totally unacceptable.”
He revealed that the attack did not even occur within the core disputed boundary area, a development he said made the incident more disturbing.
“By about 5 p.m., I received information that hoodlums invaded one of the villages and killed almost four persons. I was confused because the land under dispute is far from the town,” Ude said.
According to him, the state government acted swiftly to prevent further escalation, immediately alerting security and political authorities.
“I contacted the chairmen of the affected local governments, the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Governor, and the Army, including the Women Battalion Commander. All hands were on deck to ensure the situation did not spiral out of control. Sadly, before security forces arrived, the damage had already been done,” he added.
The commissioner disclosed that tactical police units and military personnel have since been deployed to the area, restoring calm, while investigations have commenced to identify and arrest those responsible.
“Nobody is above the law. Those involved must be fished out and prosecuted so we can get to the root of this problem. We will not tolerate violence in any form,” he stressed.
Ude also condemned the manner of the killings, noting that such acts run contrary to the culture and values of the Ebonyi people.
“This is completely alien to our customs. It is barbaric and unacceptable,” he said.
He urged residents of both communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt public order, including blocking major roads, assuring them that security agencies are handling the situation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that a police team had been deployed to the area and promised a detailed statement after a full assessment.
Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr. Chima Ekumamkama, also confirmed the attack, describing it as “an act of wickedness and inhumanity.”
“This is heartbreaking. How can people invade a community, kill fellow human beings, and destroy their homes? This is sheer barbarity,” he said, adding that security forces were mobilised following the prompt intervention of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to prevent a fresh escalation of violence between the two neighbouring communities.
