A deadly communal clash has erupted once again in Ebonyi State, leaving at least four persons feared dead and millions of naira worth of properties reduced to ashes. The latest outbreak of violence stems from a long-standing land dispute between the Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area, and Okporojo in Osso Edda, Edda Local Government Area.
What began as a simmering land disagreement decades ago has morphed into a recurring cycle of bloodshed and destruction. The weekend clash, described by locals as one of the worst in recent years, saw terrified residents abandon their homes en masse, with many avoiding the Amasiri road out of fear of ambush or reprisal attacks.
Sources within the Okporojo community claim that the victims were their indigenes and pointed fingers at suspected assailants from neighbouring Amasiri. However, at the time of reporting, the identities of the attackers could not be independently verified.
Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Mr. Chima Ekumankama, confirmed the fatalities and widespread destruction. He disclosed that a rapid security response had been initiated to quell the unrest and stabilize the area.
> “I can assure you that normalcy and peace have returned. I personally visited the scene and saw the level of destruction firsthand. As we speak, adequate security personnel have been deployed to prevent a recurrence,” he stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, revealed that a buffer security zone has been established between the warring communities. He urged residents of Amasiri to remain calm while the government works on a lasting solution.
> “This resurgence of violence is deeply unfortunate. I appeal to all parties to sheath their swords and allow the government to intervene appropriately,” Nwachi pleaded.
Despite previous attempts by the Ebonyi State Government to douse the crisis — including a white paper issued following a comprehensive committee report under a former administration — the failure to implement critical resolutions has allowed the conflict to fester and reignite at intervals.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said he was yet to receive official details about the incident.
As the communities mourn their dead and count their losses, residents and observers are once again calling on the state government to take decisive and lasting action before the situation spirals even further out of control.
PIONEER NEWS 