From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
One person was reportedly killed and about four people abducted yesterday in a fresh crisis between the people of Oso-Edda, Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe communities in Ebonyi State.
It was gathered that properties worth millions of naira were allegedly destroyed in the crisis. Oso-Edda is in Afikpo South Local Government Area, while Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe communities are in Afikpo North local government area of the state.
The three communities have been having a dispute over a land at their boundary for years, but it has been managed and curtailed from turning violent till this week.
Details of how the clashes started were still sketchy at the time of this report, but sources in the area alleged that the Nde Ndukwe and Amasiri people invaded farm settlement villages in Oso-Edda and started destroying houses, farm produce and every property in sight.
The invasion started on Monday and lasted till Wednesday when security agencies stepped in to restore normalcy. It was learnt that one Chima Orji of Idima Autonomous Community in Afikpo South local government was brutally murdered and beheaded. The head was taken away by the invaders and was yet to be found as at the time of this report.
Worst hit is Okporojo village in Oso-Edda, which is said to have been reduced to rubbles and ruins. Four people were abducted, but were later freed after a peace meeting organised by the chairmen of both councils, in conjunction with some monarchs and head of security agencies in the area.
Chairman, Afikpo South local government area, Chima Ekumankama, who confirmed the incident in a statement, described the situation as pathetic and painful, and called on the entire Edda clan to remain law abiding.
He said the situation has been brought under control by security agencies in the state.
“I, Hon. Prince Chima Ekumankama, wish to call on the good people of Okporojo, Oso and Edda Clan in general, to remain calm and law abiding over the unwarranted invasion of Okporojo in Oso and other parts of Edda Clan by our neighbours of Nde Ndukwe and Amasiri of Afikpo North LGA, where properties, farm produce worth millions of naira and a life were lost.
“The situation is pathetic and painful, thus, while I sympathise with all those affected, I implore the good people of Oso and Edda in general, to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses as the situation is under control,” he said.
Mr Ekumankama said it was very wrong and barbaric for anyone to take another’s life under whatever guise. He implored security agencies to deal decisively with anyone found breaking the laws of the land.
Chairman, Afikpo South local government area, Uche Ibiam, confirmed the release of the abducted people. He said his administration was working with security agencies to contain the situation and prevent a recurrence.