By Lillian Edward
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of two individuals in Ogwor, a community in Ishiagu Town, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a violent clash linked to a longstanding boundary dispute.
The incident, which occurred at a farm situated along the contentious boundary between Ogwor and the neighbouring Omobor community of Akaeze Town, has also left at least three others missing, according to sources within the community.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed assailants, suspected to be from Omobor, attacked the farm where local farmers were working.
Among the victims were an elderly woman from Ogwor and a labourer from the Ezza clan, who was helping to cultivate the land.
Both were reportedly killed in the assault, which is believed to be connected to the ongoing land dispute between the two communities that has lasted for decades.
One community source described the incident, saying: “The people from Akaeze invaded our farm, killed an elderly woman who was working on her land, and also shot an Ezza man who was assisting her. The situation is very disturbing.”
However, the identity of the assailants has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether they were indeed from Omobor, as alleged by the local sources.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated: “Yes, two persons were killed in the incident. The police have deployed tactical teams to the area and normalcy has been restored. Investigations have already commenced to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Ivo Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ajah, condemned the killings and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable.
“This tragic event is a direct consequence of the long-standing boundary dispute between the two communities,” Ajah explained.
“Since I assumed office, my administration has made considerable efforts to address this issue. A committee was set up to mediate, and we reached a resolution that the disputed land would be demarcated and parcelled out by November 2024. This was agreed upon by both communities.
“So, it was a shock to me that this senseless violence occurred despite our efforts to find a peaceful solution.”
The boundary dispute between Ogwor and Omobor communities has been a source of tension for years, and despite numerous efforts by both parties to resolve it, the issue has remained unresolved.
The recent escalation has reignited fears that the conflict could spiral out of control, further endangering lives and property in the affected areas.
Community members have called for increased security and an urgent resolution of the boundary issue, stressing the need for peace to be restored to the region.
Many are also demanding that the state government take stronger measures to prevent further violence, particularly as the matter of land ownership remains contentious.
The police has however warned that any form of violence or lawlessness related to the dispute will not be tolerated, and they have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation is underway.
