Bloodshed on the Border: Decades-Long Dispute Claims Two Lives in Ebonyi

Bloodshed on the Border: Decades-Long Dispute Claims Two Lives in Ebonyi

A long-standing boundary dispute between Ogwo in Ishiagu and Akaeze, both in the Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi, has erupted into violence once again, leaving two people dead. This latest incident is part of a decades-long conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives on both sides.

The renewed hostility has prompted swift condemnation from LGA Chairman Emmanuel Aja, who vowed to uncover and bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement, Aja emphasized that no one involved in the violence or killings would go unpunished. He also urged security agencies to bolster their presence in the area, particularly around flashpoints, to prevent retaliatory attacks.

Aja lamented the gruesome murder of two Ogwor community members in Ishiagu, allegedly by individuals from the Umobor community in Akaeze. He attributed the violence to the ongoing land dispute, which his administration has been working to resolve since taking office.

A committee had proposed parceling out the contentious land this November, a solution agreed upon by stakeholders from both communities. However, the recent violence has thrown this plan into jeopardy. Aja appealed to the feuding communities to remain calm and sheath their swords, assuring them that the standing committee's report would be implemented to address the long-standing boundary dispute.

Police Spokesman Joshua Ukandu confirmed the killings, stating that they occurred at the Ayaragu Ogwo farm settlement, which belongs to the Ogwo Community. An investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the killings and bring those responsible to justice. Ukandu assured that the police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the perpetrators.

This incident bears resemblance to a similar dispute between Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State and Biase LGA of Cross River State, where two persons were killed and five others abducted over a palm plantation on their boundary . The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Loveth Odah, had stated that the victims were attacked by gunmen from the neighboring Biase LGA of Cross River State.

As tensions remain high, Citizens watches with concern, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.