A fresh communal clash between the people of Umuobor-Akaeze and their Ogwor neighbors in the Ishiagu community of Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has claimed two lives.
The lingering conflict, which has previously led to the deaths of men, women, and even passersby, escalated again on Monday when suspected assailants ambushed and killed a man and a woman on the disputed land, according to community sources.
Dip Connect News reports that the two communities have been locked in a land dispute over a vast, fertile area known as Elueke for nearly five decades. The ongoing clashes have resulted in numerous casualties and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira. In response, Governor Francis Nwifuru declared the contested land a buffer zone and established a committee to resolve the crisis.
Reacting to the renewed violence, social media critic Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba expressed concern over the persistent bloodshed. He stated, “I got information that these aged persons were killed in the fight between Ishiagu and Akaeze today in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State. I had earlier written twice, urging Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene immediately, but I’m not sure any visible action has been taken to end the feud.
“I’m still calling on the governor to act before the situation becomes even more difficult to handle. Every life matters, and stakeholders from both communities must come together to stop this unnecessary bloodshed.”
When contacted on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he had yet to receive a report on the latest killings.
