A renewed conflict between Ogwo in the Ishiagu community and their neighbors in Akaeze, both located in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, has resulted in two fatalities.
Reports indicate that the Ishiagu and Akaeze communities have been entangled in a longstanding boundary dispute spanning decades, which has led to the loss of hundreds of lives on both sides.
In response to the recent incident, the LGA Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Aja, condemned the killings and pledged to identify those responsible.
Aja, in a statement made in Abakaliki on Sunday, assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.
He emphasized that anyone involved in violent acts or taking lives in the area would face punishment.
The council leader urged security agencies to strengthen security in the area, particularly around hotspots, to prevent retaliatory attacks.
“I strongly condemn the brutal killing of two natives of Ogwor Community in Ishiagu by individuals believed to be from Umobor Community in Akaeze.”
“This is the result of a land dispute between the two communities that has persisted for decades, and my administration has done its utmost to address the issue since taking office.
“I set up a committee that mediated on the matter and proposed a resolution to divide the disputed land this November, a solution agreed upon by stakeholders from both communities. However, to my surprise, this tragic event has occurred,” he stated.
He urged the warring communities to lay down their arms and remain calm, assuring them that the recommendations from the standing committee would be implemented to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute.
Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating that the command had not yet identified the perpetrators.
“Yes, we have received a report about the killing of two residents of Ogwo Community in Ishiagu,” he said.
The killing occurred at a farm settlement known as Ayaragu Ogwo, which belongs to the Ogwo Community.
“An investigation is underway to uncover the motive behind the killing and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Ukandu stated.
