Land tussle between the people of Oso-Edda, Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe Communities in Ebonyi State has degenerated into a full blown melee and violence.
The renewed hostility claimed the live of one Chima Orji.
Oso-Edda is in Afikpo South local government area while Amasiri and Nde Ndukwe communities are in Afikpo North local government area of the South Eastern state.
It’s gathered that the three communities have been at daggers drawn over land at their boundary for years but the situation had been under control till Monday, February, 6.
Though the details of how the crisis started were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, sources in the area alleged that the Nde Ndukwe and Amasiri people invaded the farm settlement villages in Ọsọ-Edda and started destroying houses, farm produce and every property in sight.
The clash, it was gathered, started on Monday and lasted till Wednesday when security agencies stepped in to restore normalcy.
It was learned that the victim, 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 is yet to be found as of the time of this report.
The worst hit is Okporojo village in Oso-Edda which is said to have been badly affected by the attacks.
The four abducted persons were said to have been freed following a peace meeting organized by the Chairmen of both councils in conjunction with some Monarchs and Head of Security Agencies in the area.
Chairman of Afikpo South local government area, Chima Ekumankama confirmed the incident in a statement and described the situation as pathetic and painful and called on the entire Edda clan to remain law-abiding.
He, however, said the situation had been brought under control by security agencies in the State
“I Hon. Prince Chima Ekumankama wishes to call on the good people of Okporojo, Oso and Edda Clan, in general, to remain calm and law-abiding over the unwarranted invadement of Okporojo in Oso and other parts of Edda Clan by our neighbors of Nde Ndukwe and Amasiri of Afikpo North LGA where properties, farm produce worth millions of naira and a life was 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 is 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.
The Chairman of Afikpo South local government area, Uche Ibiam also confirmed the release of the abducted persons.
He said his administration is working with security agencies to contain the situation and prevent a reoccurrence.
Police spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu said he was waiting for the report from the Police in the area before commenting on the incident.
“Once I get the authenticated information about what is going on there, then, I will react”, he said