A violent clash in Ekoli-Edda, located in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has resulted in the death of one person and left four others seriously injured. The incident, attributed to suspected political thugs, has also led to the destruction of houses and valuable property.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers—allegedly numbering over ten—launched an armed assault amid an ongoing rivalry between two political factions in the area. The unrest is part of a broader power tussle that has reportedly claimed multiple lives and caused property damage running into billions of naira.
One of the victims, Mr. Okoro Obasi of Ndibom village, was fatally attacked during the chaos. According to community member Chima Oko Obasi, the assailants opened fire on former local government chairman and House of Assembly member, Eni Uduma Chima, while he was inspecting a property set ablaze in the area. The targeted property is said to belong to Port Harcourt-based businessman, Ama Okoro Ibiam.
Chima also recalled that earlier on June 1, around 10:00 a.m., the thugs had attacked mourners while the body of Mr. Okoro Obasi was being transported to a mortuary. The deceased’s children and their friends reportedly suffered severe machete wounds during the assault.
Another witness, Nnachi Ndem, recounted, “We were at Mgborokuma when the group, known locally as the Catcham Boys, started shooting. Three people almost died. These attacks have continued since our people were released from prison after Governor Francis Nwifuru granted them amnesty. Tensions are rising, and if nothing is done soon, the community may be forced to defend itself.”
Confirming the incident, Eni Uduma Chima stated:
“I received a distress call about my uncle, Mr. Okoro Obasi, who succumbed to internal bleeding after being assaulted by the Catcham Boys. His only ‘crime’ was being related to me and having a son involved in the government’s amnesty program.”
Chima added that while inspecting the aftermath and trying to pacify the aggrieved community, the thugs ambushed him and his entourage. “They shot at us, shattered the windows of my Prado jeep, and injured three individuals: Chinoyerem Ikwor, Uka Anya Egwu, and Udu Uche. All are currently receiving medical attention for bullet wounds.”
He warned that while the agitators are few—under 20 people—the growing provocations could spark a wider conflict. “If the community responds in self-defence, they’ll still be labeled violent. We’ve endured too much already. The government must act now to prevent escalation,” he said.
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident but noted that detailed information was still being gathered. He assured the public that police personnel have been deployed to stabilize the situation.
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