Tensions have once again flared between the communities of Okporojo in Idima autonomous community, Edda Local Government Area, and their longtime rivals, Amasiri in Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi State. A renewed clash over a protracted land dispute has led to the tragic killing of at least eight people, including a pregnant woman and her child, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the Okporojo community, burning homes and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Victims of the assault included residents who were unable to escape the onslaught, while others fled into the nearby bushes for safety.
One of the affected residents, Nkama Ikwor, recounted losing two homes to the inferno. “I lost everything. We ran for our lives amid gunfire. Later, I returned to find my houses completely razed,” he lamented.
The President-General of the community, Nkama Okoro Agha, confirmed that one of the deceased, Abagha Chukwu, hailed from Ukpa in Afikpo but resided in Okporojo. He emphasized that this was not the first attack on the village. “In February 2023, similar violence occurred, leading to abductions and a brutal beheading. These repeated invasions have devastated our people,” he said.
Okporojo Development Union Chairman, Imo Samuel Oduko, insisted that the land in dispute rightfully belongs to Idima Edda. He explained that their ancestors had originally allowed Amasiri people to work the land, only for the tenants to now claim ownership and initiate violence.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ebonyi State Government has initiated technical boundary mapping in the disputed territory. A delegation led by the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Donatus Ilang, alongside local leaders, surveyors, and security operatives, embarked on a five-hour journey through the bush to identify boundary markers.
Dr. Ilang reiterated the state government’s commitment to restoring peace, calling on both communities to support the initiative and discourage youth involvement in violence. Council chairmen from both Afikpo and Edda LGAs commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his swift intervention and dedication to achieving lasting peace.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
