At least four people have lost their lives following a renewed boundary dispute between Okporojo-Oso Edda community in Edda Local Government Area and the neighboring Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Local sources confirmed that the incident occurred late Thursday night, leaving several residents injured while multiple houses were set ablaze during the attack. Two victims were reportedly recovered at the scene, while two others were initially declared missing.
The long-standing boundary conflict between the two communities is said to be rooted in disputes over farmland, a crisis that has spanned decades and reportedly claimed numerous lives and properties worth billions of naira.
Despite repeated peace interventions by successive Ebonyi State administrations, tensions have continued to resurface.
Residents alleged that the attackers entered the community from the Amasiri axis, an allegation that has further heightened tension in the area. Videos circulating on social media showed the extent of destruction, including damaged homes still burning after the attack.
Confirming the incident, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr. Etta Uka Ude, described the attack as “barbaric, unlawful, and completely unacceptable.” He disclosed that the location of the violence was not even within the exact disputed land, making the incident more troubling.
According to the commissioner, the state government swiftly mobilized security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, to prevent further escalation.
“Although security operatives arrived promptly, significant damage had already been done before their arrival,” Ude said.
He added that tactical police units and military personnel have since been deployed to restore calm, while investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“Nobody is above the law. Those involved must be arrested and prosecuted so the root cause of this crisis can be addressed,” he stated.
The commissioner also condemned the nature of the killings, noting that such acts are alien to the culture and values of the Ebonyi people.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that police teams had been dispatched to the affected communities and assured that an official statement would be released after full assessment.
Similarly, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Chima Ekumamkama, described the incident as “inhuman and deeply distressing,” adding that security deployment followed the swift intervention of the state governor.
Residents of both communities have been urged to remain calm, avoid blocking major roads, and allow security agencies to carry out their duties as investigations continue.
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