A violent clash linked to a leadership dispute in Ndiagu Amagu, located in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has resulted in one fatality, two injuries, and multiple missing persons.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the conflict broke out following internal disagreements between two opposing factions within the community. Trouble reportedly began after one group attempted to enforce a N40,000 levy on adult residents of the Nduche Umuomara section, sparking resistance from rival members who also accused them of illegally selling communal lands.
Two individuals, Nwoyika Ugbaloke and Thomas Ngaragu, were reportedly attacked during the chaos by suspected armed assailants. While Ngaragu sustained injuries, Ugbaloke sadly passed away at the hospital despite medical efforts to save him.
Local sources expressed concern that several individuals are still missing, with uncertainty surrounding their current condition or whereabouts. “We’re not sure if they are safe, in hiding, or something worse,” one resident shared.
The victim’s son, Nwoyika Kingsley Emeka, condemned the killing of his father and demanded immediate intervention. He alleged that the assailants are still roaming the community freely, placing palm fronds on farmlands as threats, and demanding fines from landowners under duress.
He further accused influential figures, including a former public officeholder, of protecting the attackers and fueling the unrest.
Emeka appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Ebonyi State Police Command to step in urgently and prevent the situation from escalating further. He warned that the group had openly threatened to eliminate any opposition.
When contacted, Ebonyi State Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu said no formal report had been received as of the time of filing this report.
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