Manny Ita
At least four people have been killed and several houses destroyed following a renewed land dispute between neighbouring communities in Ebonyi State, police and local authorities confirmed on Friday.
The violence occurred late Thursday in Oso-Edda community in Edda Local Government Area during a clash linked to a long-running boundary disagreement involving neighbouring Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area. Residents reported that armed assailants attacked parts of the community, leading to fatalities and the burning of homes and other property.
Security sources said the incident is the latest in a series of confrontations connected to disputes over ownership of agricultural land claimed by both communities, tensions that have persisted for decades despite previous peace efforts.
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru condemned the attack, describing the killings as unacceptable and assuring residents that those responsible would be prosecuted. A statement from the state government said the governor warned that violence would not be tolerated and directed security agencies to restore order in the affected communities.
Police authorities confirmed that security personnel have since been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the attack. A police spokesperson said normalcy was gradually returning following the intervention of security operatives.
Residents of the affected villages said several families have been displaced following the destruction of houses, while community leaders appealed for urgent government intervention to prevent further reprisals.
Previous clashes between the communities have resulted in casualties and destruction of property, with repeated mediation attempts yet to produce a lasting settlement to the boundary dispute.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies and government mediators to handle the matter to prevent another cycle of violence in the area.
