For decades, a patch of fertile land has fueled bloodshed between the Ogwor and Umuobor communities in Ebonyi State’s Ivo Local Government Area. This week, the conflict took another tragic turn—four more lives lost, including that of a woman who had no stake in the fight.
It began on Monday. A woman from Okwue, an uninvolved community, was reportedly working on the disputed Elueke lands alongside people from Ogwor when gunmen struck. She was killed on the spot.
Then, on Wednesday, three men from Umuobor were ambushed and shot dead—suspected victims of a retaliatory attack. Two others who were with them remain missing.
“They just wanted to harvest yams,” said a source from Umuobor, his voice heavy with frustration. “Our people are starving. The government said we can’t enter, but what do we eat?”
Read Also: Senator Fadahunsi urges Osun residents to vote in LG elections, dismisses AGF’s statement as non- binding
Last year, the killings escalated, forcing the state government to intervene. The land was declared a buffer zone—off-limits to both communities. A committee was set up to mediate. Yet, as this week’s events show, peace remains elusive.
Local leaders are exasperated.
“I was there today, pleading with them to maintain peace,” said Chinasa Okorie, Coordinator of the Akaeze Development Centre. “Yes, they were wrong to enter the land. But does that justify their murder?”
Ivo Local Government Chairman Emmanuel Ajah was blunt: “If you go there, you are on your own. The governor has spoken, the land is a buffer zone. What more can we say?”
Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the killings and urged restraint. “We have deployed officers. We are investigating. But most importantly, people must obey government orders. More bloodshed won’t solve this.”
Join the conversation
Opinions
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.
Donate Now
