Ebonyi Boundary Dispute Claims 2 Lives

Intensified hostilities between the Ogwo community in Ishiagu and their neighbors in Akaeze, both of which are located in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals.

Reports indicate that Ishiagu and Akaeze have been engaged in a long-standing boundary dispute for decades, leading to numerous fatalities on both sides.

In response to the latest incident, the LGA Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Aja, expressed his condemnation of the killings and vowed to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. Aja issued this assurance in a statement released in Abakaliki on Sunday, reaffirming that those responsible for such violence would face consequences.

He urged security agencies to enhance their presence in the area, particularly at known conflict zones, in order to prevent potential retaliatory attacks.

“I strongly condemn the brutal murder of two members of the Ogwo Community in Ishiagu by individuals believed to be from Umobor Community in Akaeze. This violence is a direct result of a protracted land dispute between the two communities, an issue my administration has sought to address since assuming office,” he stated.

Aja noted that a mediation committee he established had reached a resolution to parcel out the contested land in November, an agreement supported by stakeholders from both communities. He expressed surprise and dismay that this tragedy occurred despite those efforts.

He called upon the conflicting communities to halt hostilities and remain calm as the findings of the committee would be implemented to resolve the lingering boundary conflict.

Meanwhile, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, stating that the police had yet to identify those responsible for the killings.

“Yes, we have received reports concerning the deaths of two members of the Ogwo Community in Ishiagu. The incident occurred at a farming settlement known as Ayaragu Ogwo, which belongs to the Ogwo Community. An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind these killings and to bring the offenders to justice,” Ukandu remarked.