A longstanding boundary dispute between Ogwo in Ishiagu community and their neighbors in Akaeze, both in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has escalated into violence, claiming two lives.
This conflict has been ongoing for decades, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides.
Chief Emmanuel Aja, Chairman of the Local Government Area, condemned the murder, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I strongly condemn the gruesome murder of two indigenes of Ogwor Community in Ishiagu by people suspected to be from Umobor Community in Akaeze,” he said.
Aja assured that his administration has been working to resolve the dispute since taking office.
A committee, constituted by Aja, had mediated the dispute and proposed parceling out the disputed land this November.
However, the recent violence caught him off guard. “This is the effect of a land dispute between the two communities, which has lasted for decades… A committee I constituted has mediated on it and came up with a resolution… but to my surprise, this evil act came up.”
Aja urged the feuding communities to remain calm, promising that the standing committee’s report would address the long-standing boundary dispute. He also directed security agencies to beef up security, particularly around flash points, to prevent reprisal attacks.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators. “Yes, we have received a report of the killing of two indigenes of Ogwo Community in Ishiagu… The killing took place at a farm settlement, called Ayaragu Ogwo, which belongs to Ogwo Community… Investigation is ongoing to unravel the motive behind the killing and bring perpetrators to justice.”
