Land Dispute: 7 Injured, Farms Destroyed As Ebonyi Communities Clash

Seven persons has been injured and farmlands destroyed as youths of Ezeke-Amasiri in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State reportedly attacked the people of Amata-Akpoha also in Afikpo North LGA over a disputed land.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the Amasiri youths invaded the farmland in the day time where women and men of Akpoha community were working and attacked the people which created panic and tension in the community.

It was also gathered that three persons are critically injured following the attack and are currently battling for survival in a hospital in Afikpo LGA.

It was learnt that the protracted land dispute has led to the continuous disruption of the peace and unity of the two warring communities thereby forcing them to live in perpetual fear and apprehension over possible attacks.

The council chairman, Hon Uchenna Ibiam had last week visited the disputed land for on the spot assessment of the crisis and possible lasting solution to the crisis following renewed hostilities between the two communities.

Ibiam during an emergency peace and security meeting in the council area said his administration is poised to take necessary steps that would end the incessant clash between the people of Ezeke-Amasiri and their neighbouring Amata-Akpoha community over the disputed land.

The council boss who frowned at the unfortunate development, warned mischief makers who take advantage of their social status in their communities to ignite crisis for their own selfish gain to desist from such satanic ventures as they will be exposed, arrested and prosecuted for breach of public peace.

He said Amasiri and Akpoha are neighbouring communities that ordinarily should sustain the atmosphere of peaceful co-existence especially as they are bonded by the Ikwu matrilineal system in Igbo land, and marital affinity among other shared interests.

Ibiam who appealed to both parties to sheath their swords, directed that members of the “warring communities” be barred from entering the disputed land till further notice.

In his reaction, the traditional ruler of Amasiri Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Omezue Bassey Idam Onya commended the council boss for his prompt interventions which prevented the escalation of the crisis and assured him of his determination to continue to preach peace to the people, while awaiting further actions from the government.

LEADERSHIP reports that normalcy has been restored following the prompt intervention of the council chairman and security agencies who were mobilised to the area.

Meanwhile, the people of the two communities have accepted to wait for the action of the state government in the disputed land.