Community Tasks Lawmakers On Ebonyi Land Dispute

Following tension over the long-running Elueke land dispute in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State, the Umobor Akaeze community has petitioned the National Assembly to intervene and enforce a Supreme Court ruling affirming their ownership of the contested land.

The petition, numbered 693 of 2025, was submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions by the Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International on behalf of the Umobor Akaeze community.

It also intends to get the attention of the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police.

The community alleged that persistent encroachment by the neighbouring Ogwor Ishiagu people has led to repeated violent attacks, loss of lives and destruction of property in the disputed Elueke area.

During a hearing before the House Committee on Tuesday, the chairman, Hon Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, adjourned the matter to June 4 to allow petitioners to provide proof that the respondents had been properly served.

Speaking with journalists after the hearing, Barrister Kingdom Okere Nnamdi, representing the petitioners, called for urgent National Assembly intervention to ensure enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment.

“The apex court ruled that the Elueke land belongs to the Umobor Akaeze people, and that Barrister Kingdom further alleged that farmers from Akaeze continue to face violent attacks while working on the land, claiming that over 41 people have been killed, including a pregnant woman.

He accused some political figures from the neighboring community of backing those responsible, a situation that has allegedly hindered arrests and prosecutions.

The House Committee reportedly directed that summons be issued to the Ebonyi State Boundary Commission, the Ivo Local Government Boundary Commission, and other individuals linked to the dispute.

Community leaders accompanying the petitioners emphasized that the Umobor people have consistently pursued peaceful and legal means to resolve the conflict.

The matter had reportedly passed through customary courts, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court, where their victory was affirmed.

Chief Innocent Ibe Okore, 78, a community elder, said the dispute dates back generations but stressed the community’s commitment to peace.

“We are farmers and we train our children through farming. We are not fighting anyone; we only want the authorities to allow justice to prevail,” he said.

Okore noted that although the Supreme Court settled the matter decades ago, recent developments and alleged political interference have reignited tensions and violence.

High Chief Elias Okwa lamented that the violence has forced residents out of their farms and settlements, destroying houses, schools, and churches.

“Our farms are there, our houses are there, but we have been chased away. That land is where we get our daily food, but now our people are starving,” he said.

The petitioners expressed hope that intervention by the National Assembly would ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and restore peace to the affected communities.