See the Number Dead as Three Got Missing in Ebonyi Land Dispute Violence
At least two people have been killed and three others are reported missing in Ogwor, a village in the Ishiagu clan of Ebonyi State’s Ivo Local Government Area, following an outbreak of violence linked to a long-standing land dispute.
Local sources told FIRST CLASS GISTS that the victims included an elderly woman and a laborer who was assisting her on her farm. Both were reportedly attacked and killed by assailants, who are believed to be from Omobor village in the Akaeze community, which has been embroiled in a decades-old land conflict with Ogwor.
According to one community insider, “People from Akaeze came onto our farm, killed an elderly woman working there, and shot another man who was helping her.”
However, the identity of the attackers could not be independently verified.
When contacted for confirmation, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the killings, stating, “Yes, two people have been killed. The police have sent tactical teams to the area to restore order, and an investigation is underway.”
Chief Emmanuel Ajah, the chairperson of the Ivo Local Government Area, condemned the murders, attributing them to the ongoing land dispute between the two communities. He expressed his shock and frustration, noting that efforts had been made to resolve the issue through dialogue.
“This violence is the unfortunate outcome of a long-running land dispute that has lasted for years. My administration has worked hard to address it, and a committee we formed reached a resolution that the land would be divided this November 2024, with the agreement of both communities. I am surprised and saddened that such an act occurred despite these efforts,” said Chief Ajah.
He added that he visited the area along with security personnel to express condolences to the families of the victims and to encourage peace between the two communities.
