Deadly Communal Clash Erupts Again in Ebonyi, Leaving Four Dead and Communities in Turmoil
The lingering land dispute between Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA and Okporojo in Osso Edda, Edda LGA of Ebonyi State has tragically resurfaced, claiming no fewer than four lives and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
According to multiple sources, the latest violence erupted over the weekend, reigniting fears in the area and forcing residents to flee their homes or avoid major routes—particularly the Amasiri road—amid fear of further attacks.
Eyewitnesses reported that residential homes and properties worth millions of naira were set ablaze during the clash, marking yet another chapter in the decades-long conflict over ancestral land.
Accusations and Uncertainty Over Attackers
A source from the Okporojo community, as cited by The Nation, alleged that those killed were local indigenes and accused members of the Amasiri community of launching the deadly assault. However, independent verification of the assailants’ identities was not available as of press time.
Security Presence and Official Reactions
Reacting to the crisis, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr. Chima Ekumankama, confirmed the incident and stated that security forces have now been deployed to restore calm.
“I can assure you that normalcy and peace have returned to the area. I personally visited the scene and saw the extent of destruction. As we speak, security personnel are fully on the ground to prevent a recurrence,” Ekumankama said.
On his part, Afikpo LGA Chairman, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, noted that a security buffer zone has been established between both communities, with a passionate appeal to the people of Amasiri to remain calm.
“These renewed killings are unfortunate. I plead with the Amasiri community to maintain peace while the government works on resolving the matter,” Nwachi added.
Decades of Unresolved Conflict
Despite previous attempts to resolve the conflict — including the issuance of a government white paper based on committee recommendations — implementation of key resolutions has been inconsistent, leading to the reemergence of tensions.
The Ebonyi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, when contacted, stated that he had not yet received a formal briefing on the incident.
Call for Government Intervention
The recurrence of this communal crisis raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of conflict resolution strategies in the region.
Citizens and leaders alike are calling on the Ebonyi State Government and relevant security agencies to take decisive action to ensure lasting peace and justice for the affected communities.
Leave a Reply