A massive protest broke out early Tuesday morning in Akaeze, Ebonyi State, as hundreds of residents took to the streets, accusing Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and Ivo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah, of attempting to seize their land.
This demonstration follows a violent boundary dispute last month between the Ogwor community in Ishiagu and the Umuobor community in Akaeze, which reportedly left at least four people dead.
The long-standing conflict over the Elueke land has persisted for decades, despite a 1991 Supreme Court ruling that declared Umuobor the rightful owners. In videos circulating online, protesters were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Governor Nwifuru, Leave Our Land Alone’ and ‘Our Land Is Not for Sale.
A community source claimed the protest was sparked by the governor’s alleged refusal to honor the Supreme Court judgment, instead introducing a new boundary map that favors Ogwor Ishiagu.
Protesters marched from Eluegu Umuobor to various parts of Akaeze, chanting slogans against the perceived land seizure. However, when contacted, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah denied any involvement in the dispute, stating, “All we want in Akaeze is peace. The allegations are false, and those sponsoring this unrest should stop.”
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, also dismissed the claims, asserting that Governor Nwifuru has no interest in taking anyone’s land. He emphasized that the governor has been working towards a peaceful resolution and warned that if the violence continues, the state government may intervene for the overall interest of Ebonyi.
Despite government efforts, the crisis has worsened, leading to frequent attacks and loss of lives. The state had previously declared the disputed area a buffer zone and formed a committee to mediate the conflict. However, violent clashes have persisted, defying official restrictions on accessing the land.
Watch the protest video here:https://youtu.be/wq6q-gpV42U?si=RjMCjbE6_yeK2JGs
